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MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED 

1904 



A comprehensive Picture of 
the Metropohs of Mississippi in its 
Historical, Civic, Social, Industrial 
and Commercial Aspects : : : 



BY 

WM. F. GRAY 

(Late Editor Meridian Daily News.) 



MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI 



TELL FARMER, 
PRINTER AND STATIONER 




MIAZZA & WOODS OFFICE BUILDING. 



Gift 
8 Mr'?' 



MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI. 



A Modern and Progressive City of the South Where 

Conservatism, Quickened by Enterprise, has 

Produced Ideal Economic and 

Social Conditions. 



Meridian, Mississippi, is a typical product of 
the economic readjustment that has come to the 
South during the past quarter of a century ; it is 
distinctly post helium ; built upon modern plans, 
and owes its growth and development entircl}- to 
the dominance of the modern and progressive spirit 
■which, happily, has begun to manifest itself in 
nearly every Southern community in recent years, 
but which was a rare influence when Meridian be- 
came infected with it, and set the pace for Missis- 
sippi, more than twenty-five years ago. 

From its early settlement Mississippi has been 
distinguished pre-eminently as an agricultural 
State; her rich soil, mild climate and equable sea- 
sons encouraged the vocation of the farmer and 
abundantly rewarded his industry ; there was no 
temptation to exploit other fields so long as ade- 
quate and satisfactory returns came from this ; and 
town building did not, to our fathers, seem to be 
an inviting fiela for endeavor ; the soil yielded 
them a liberal income and the urban idea found no 
place in their ideals and aspirations. The town 
■was a good enough place for those who could not 
live in the country, and was, doubtless, a wise pro- 
vision designed lor the farmer's convenience, 
whereby he might be served with postal facilities, 
newspapers, law and markets; but beyond this, the 
average Mississippian considered city building the 
most inconsequential of occupations. 

Among all peoples vocation gives tone and 
tenor to the mind and shapes character accordingly; 
the agricultural influence imparted to the men and 
women of the State a temper and disposition sig- 
nalized by all of the virtues and graces that belong 
to a free and generous life; but did not strengthen 
the gregarious aptitudes or reveal the possibilities 
of a united effort for the common good. The sense 
of mutual and reciprocal dependence was not nour- 
ished by the plantation life; self-reliance was a con- 



spicuous characteristic of the times and a strong 
individuality a distinguishing trait of both men 
and women. 

Such were the dominant social and ethical in- 
fluences that prevailed when Meridian began to 
emerge from the chrysalis condition of villagehood 
and yield opportunity for the exercise of new ener- 
gies in the pursuit of nevf purposes and new aspira- 
tions. The commercial and industrial opportunity 
here afforded was perceived by men of intelligence 
and foresight, and they brought diligence, faith 
and courage to their cultivation. These spirits 
were the pioneer city-builders of Mississippi; and 
to thevr successful endeavor is due, very largely, 
the dissemination of the progressive spirit thai 
marks scores of ambitious towns today. 



HISTORICAL. 

Meridian began to assume identity with the ad- 
vent of the M. & O. R. R. in 1855: a station was 
created here and a small depot erected and called 
Sowashee, after the creek of that name that traver- 
ses a part of the present southern boundary of the 
city. The lands upon which the city is now built 
were owned in separate tracts by Louis A. Rags- 
dale, Jno. T. Ball and Richard McLemore. Between 
the two former land owners great rivalry existed as 
to the location of the possible town that would fol- 
low the coming of the railroad; each being anxious 
that his lands would be found the more available 
for the site. A year or two later the Vicksburg & 
Meridian R. R. was being built and sought con- 
nection with the M. & O. Enterprise, a town fif- 
teen miles south of Meridian, was looked upon as 
the probable terminus of the new rrilroad, when 
Louis A. Ragsdale and Jno. T. Ball, recognizing 
the advantages that would accrue from making 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



this a junction point, offered inducements and 
brought influences to bear that secured to Sowashee 
the terminus of the line. Then it was thought 
desirable to find another and more euphoneous name 
for the prospective town. Ragsdale desired to per- 
petuate his memory in the nameof Ragsdale City, 
this was combatted by Ball, who had previously, in 
1854, secured the establishment of a post office here 
under the name of Meridian, which was promptly 
adopted by the railroads to supercede Sowashee. 

The junction of the railroads at this point, 
however, did not at once, create a boom; and in 
1859 there were not more than fifteen families res- 
ident in the village. A general store, operated bj- 
L. Ottenstien, on the present site of A. J. Lyon & 
Co.'s wholesale house. Ball's store, located on what 
is now thi corner of 7th street and 26th avenue, a 
bar-room, run by one Bishop, constituted the com- 
mercial equipment of the embryonic city. Bui 
hope and faith in the future were in the ascendant, 
and a newspaper was started by Wm. L. Spinks, to 
nourish and foster these important factors in city 
building. Mr. A. W. Malone, the only present 
day citizen of Meridian, excepting Mr. A. H. Ball, 
who lived here in 1859, was the local reporter of 
this paper, which was issued weekly and called 
"The Meridian." 

Soon after the junction of the V. & M. with 
the M. & O., the A. G. S. was projected and con- 
struction begun which, before many miles were 
completed, was interrupted by the war between the 
States. And now the little village began to realize 
the importance that attached to its location as a 
strategetical point; it was made a depot of supplies 
and base of operations for the Confederate army 
and, in consequence, rapidly gained in business and 
population, until the advent of Sherman's aimy in 
18f)3, when it fell a victim to the torch that every- 
where illumined the wake of that invading host. 

The town was incorporated by an act of the 
Legislature in 1860, under the name of Meridian. 
Dr. J. H. Gibbs was the first mayor, while I. S. O. 
G. Greer, Jno. T. Ball, W. J. Berry, M. Massen- 
gale and John Armstrong constituted the first board 
of aldermen. 

Following the war, the opportunities here 
afforded for the establishment of a town gained im- 
mediate recognition on the part of those who had 
noted the promising blossom that the hav ic of war 
had destroyed. Hon. E. H. Dial, for ten years 
Mayor of the city, and who has lived through the 
scenes that he depicts, in 1882, published a histori- 
cal sketch of the city and this picture of the post 
bellum era, up to 1880, is taken from that inter- 
esting work : 

'•After the war had closed, the same causes 
were at work upon the public mind that had made 



I^Ieridian a town in the first place; people from all 
directions commenced centering here to repair their 
broken fortunes, and in a short time a new town 
was rapidly springing from the ashes into which 
Sherman had laid the old. The rich pine forests 
round about were drawn upon heavily for lumber, 
saw mills were established on all sides of town, 
and with this bountiful supply of timber and mills 
the demand for building materials could scarcely 
be met. All the business houses and residences 
first erected were frame buildings, mere shells, of 
the plainest and cheapest designs. As in the early 
hi'^tory of all towns, communities, or countries, all 
ideas of the beautiful were forced to give way to 
the pressing necessities of the useful, the former 
receiving but little or no consideration at the hands 
of the rapidly increasing population 

During the first few years of this new growth 
after the war, it seemed as if the business portion 
of the town was making a struggle to grow along 
Lee street up in the direction of the hill just beyond 
the Catholic courch, where the residence of Hon. 
E. Watkins now stands, and where Mr. John T. 
Ball at that time had a large two-story frame store- 
house, in which he carried on a mercantile business. 
There were stores on Front street from about the 
corner of Front and Rhodes streets down to the 
Sturges corner, and from this corner up Lee street 
to High street, where now stands the two-story 
brick residence occupied by Mr. Poole. Some of 
the largest dry goods and confectionery establish- 
ments, a large furniture store. Reed's drug store, 
the office of Colonel Horn's Mississippi Messenger, 
the Mayor's office, theatre and two hotels, exclusive 
of lotteries, saloons, livery stable, and other smaller 
establishments were on Lee street. This was the 
street where the ladies of the town were to be seen 
shopping principally, a thoroughfare at times 
crowded until it seemed almost impassable. Sidney 
street, from Lee to Johnson, was also prominent. 
Most of the first-class public entertainments were 
held in 'Concert Hall,' over Mr, Ball's store, just 
beyond the present site of the Catholic church and 
convent. In those days Johnson and Commerce 
streets had but few stores on them; in fact there 
were but few signs that a street was intended to be 
where Commerce now is, and on Front, in the block 
between Rhodes ana Hale, there was for a long 
time only one store, and that one a frame building 
on the site of Marks, Lichenstein & Co.'s present 
grocery store. Mr. Ball's big white store up on the 
hill, as it looked from its prominence down upon 
the town coming at a rapid pace up in its direction, 
seemed tc beckon the spirit of improvement onward 
in its progress, and bid it Godspeed in the course it 
had taken; but after the great destructive fire of 
1868, which swept away the block on which the 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



great Phcenix Hotel was afterwards buiU, including- 
the principal housts on Lee street, the town never 
seemed to look in that direction again, but began 
to build up on Commerce, Johnson, Rhodes, the 
upper end of Front, and Hale, especially so after 
the removal of the railroad passenger depots from 
the foot of Lee street to their present site at the foot 
of Hale. Really it seemed that the railroad is the 
magnet that moves Meridian and draws it in what- 
soever direction it wills. 

During the period about which we are now 
writing, from the close of the war until about 1873, 
Meridian was an enigma to all mankind, a surprise 
to all the outside world. A stranger being a day or 
two in town, leaving and coming back again in a 
year afterwards would scarcely recognize it as the 
same place. It would grow out of one's knowledge 
within a twelve month's time. The more it was 
burned down the faster it would grow. The fire 
burning- down a shanty was in many instances but 
the forerunner of an edifice on the spot of more 
stately proportions. The energy and vim of the 
people could not be subdued, nor their confidence in 
the future of the town be weakened, by this devour- 
ing element. From an early hour every morning 
until night, the clatter of the mechanic's nammer 
and the sound of his saw were to be heard in all 
parts of the town; these noises and the ring of the 
brickmason's trowel, the popping of the wagoner's 
whip, and all the sounds incident to building 
formed a part of the life of the young city. These 
years were the era of Meridian's mushroom growth." 

Another interesting chapter in Mr. Dial's his- 
tory of Meridian is his reference to the rivalry that 
used to exist between Meridian and her then very 
formidable competitor, Marion, and their exciting 
contests as to which place the courthouse had best 
be given. At that time Marion, Meridian's rival 
town, was honored with the courthouse. Mr. Dial 
tells the story of Meridian's success in his own in- 
imitable way : 

"To those who did not know Meridian in her 
younger days, but who know her only as she now is, 
it may sound a little queer, if not altogether absurd, 
to hear the statement that during her ante-riot 
days she was making such rapid strides in her 
growth and enjoying l.er unparalleled boom, Marion 
Station, six miles distant, was looking on with a 
jealous eye. Up to 1870, Marion contended that 
she was larger than Meridian, and that Meridian, 
who ought really to be in its swaddling clothes, had 
prematurely gotten into pantaloons and was even 
getting too big for them. The fact is. Meridian's 
far-reaching ambition had aroused Marion's envy 
and supreme indignation; for Meridian was reach- 
ing after and trying to pluck the feather from Ma- 



rion's cap. Old Marion from the org-anization of 
county had been, not only the county site, but the 
hub of all this section of the universe in olden time, 
until New Marion robbed her of her prominence 
immediately after the war by reason of being- a 
railroad station. Thus Marion Station became the 
capital of the county, having defeated Meridian, 
who in this contest was a candidate before the peo- 
ple against her. But Meridian still wanted to be 
county site. The idea that Meridian would ever be 
large enough to have a courthouse was hooted at 
by the Marion people. It was a childish whim of 
hers that ought not to be humored, so thought 
they. Meridian, however, felt as big as Marion, 
and would not rest contented until her wish was 
gratified. Accordingly, in 1870, the seat of justice 
was moved to this place by a vote of the people, 
under an act of the Legisture, from Marion Station, 
and the first court was held in August, 1870, by 
Judge Robert Leachman. The majority in Me- 
ridian's favor, however, was small. 'Sheehan's 
Hall,' on Johnson street, was fitted up for a court- 
house and was used as such until 1880, when the 
present handsome courthouse was finished. Marion 
was once an active and thorough-going little town, 
but since the removal of the county site to this city 
twelve years ago it has gone down. It has been 
absorbed by Meridian, and by the absorption Me- 
ridian has acquired some of her best business men 
and worthiest citizens, the Marion people have all 
become reconciled, and all former rivalry and feel- 
ing that existed between the two towns been buried 
underneath the ups and downs, the happiness, pros- 
perity, misfortunes, bereavements, gladness and 
tears, and crowded incidents of the past fifteen 
years. 

In November, 1871, the city of Meridian was 
divided into wards. The destructive fires, and 
their frequent occurrence, occasioned partly by the 
character of the first buildings erected, all being 
frame buildings of pine lumber, easy to catch on 
fire and difficult to arrest, necessitated the estab- 
lishment of a fire district, in which it was made 
unlawful for any one to erect wooden buildings. 
The fire district was established in March, 1872." 

During these years of rapid growth and devel- 
opment, many railroads were projected, and several 
completed, that lent a wonderful stimulus to the 
commercial and industrial development of the am- 
bitious young city. The Alabama and Great South- 
ern was completed to Chattanooga, Tenn., where 
it formed connections through to Cincinnati, New 
York and Washihgton. Then in 1883 the New 
Orleans and Northeastern was opened up for traffic, 
the building of this important line being mainly 
due to the foresight, energy and indomitable per- 
severance of Capt. W. H. Hardy, who conceived the 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



enterprise and carried it to successful completion. 
A few years thereafter came the East Tennessee 
and Georgia linking the city with Selma, Ala., and 
thence, east to the Atlantic seaboard. Now the 
young city began to build for permanent things. 
The experimental stage was passed. There was no 
longer any room or need for the boomer; her rail- 
road connections established, her commercial possi- 
bilities clearly apprehended and the advantages 
enjoyed for manufacturing enterprise being fully 
realized, those who now came to Meridian were not 
prospectors; they did not come with grips; but with 
all their lares and penates, to make here a habita- 
tion and a home, and were speedily enlisted in the 
good work of substantial, and permanent city build- 
ing. 

The decade from 1880 to 1890 marked a period, 
therefore, of more substantial if less ebulient pro- 
gress. The commercial territory was expanded to 
embrace all the counties ot Alabama and Missis- 
sippi within a radius of seventy-five or a hundred 
miles. The cotton receipts grew rapidly; whole- 
sale and jobbing houses were established; banks 
were opened; the Oueen & Crescent railroad system 
built its shops here; new manufacturing enterprises 
were undertaken and old ones enlarged; schools and 
churches multiplied to meet the requirements of an 
ever increasing population until in 1890, Meridian 
was second only to Vicksburg among the cities of 
Mississippi. 

The next decade opened up new avenues of 
progress and development that her people were not 
slow to enter upon. It was a decade of municipal 
equipment and betterment, as well as of commer- 
cial and economic growth, scarcely interrupted, 
even, by the panic of 1893. A sewerasre system 
was laid, streets were paved, side-walks were built, 
electric lights installed, an electric street railway 
was put in operation, the school system perfected, 
and the census of 1900 found the city only a few 
hundred behind Vicksburg in point of population, 
and in all matters of municipal equipment facile 

PRIMUS. 

An important agency in this internal progress 
and substantial upbuilding was the Young Men's 
Business League, organized in 1893, which unified 
and made coherent and effective, all of the energies 
of the city for the production of substantial results. 
This organization was, in 1902, merged into the 
Board of Trade and Cotton Exchange, which has 
since that time continued the good work of further- 
ing the common welfare and directing the potential 
forces of the city in the channels of the best devel- 
opment. 

But before leaving this brief review of Me- 
ridian's earlier history, an example of the faith and 
enthusiasm that possessed the town builders of a 



generation ago may not be uninteresting to the 
present day artisans of the same craft, and will 
certainly demonstrate that our forbears were not 
deficient in the civic pride and patriotism that is 
the characteristic of this citizenry today. 

In 1873, "The Star" was published here by 
Messrs. Campbell and Powell. In the issue of 
March 9th, of that year, we find this summing up 
of the Meiidian of that day, and the reflex of a 
patriotic editorial spirit that has not yet departed 
from Meridian newspapers. After enumerating the 
various lines of railroad completed and projected at 
that time the editorial ardor finds vent in these 
fervent words : 

"Meridian thus becomes the great railway cen- 
ter of the South — a half-way house, it may almost 
be called, upon the line of the great Southern Pa- 
cific route, which will connect here with the Chat- 
tanooga and Meridian and other roads. 

Think of it ! 

Meridian, a place dating its real origin to 1866, 
now containing a population of 7,000, with four 
railways completed and five others in contempla 
tion, upon some of which the work is progressing 
rapidly, and all of which, will, without a doubt, be 
built 1" 

That is the faith that builds cities; that is the 
enthusiasm that made it possible for Meridian to 
achieve the distinction of being the metropolis of 
Mississippi today. 

Meridian has never known a boom; property 
values have advanced and receded in keeping with 
financial and business conditions; but at no time 
has there been any extravagant inflation or ruinous 
depression. On the whole, growth and develop- 
ment have been constant, substantial and reason- 
able; the logical results of legitimate causes. The 
period of the city's best and broadest development 
is perhaps included in the past six years and its pro- 
cesses are most active and conspicuous today; in 
truth the cumulative efforts of past years are now 
bearing fruit; enterprise is more confident and faith 
in the city's future justified by the past experience, 
is immovable. We are reaping the harvest of the 
earlier sowing and preparing broader fields for til- 
lage, assured that our labors will be amply repaid. 
We have demonstrated the po-^sibilities here of city 
building and we are proceeding to realize upon this 
demonstration. 

The foundations of the city are laid broad and 
deep, and their component parts are of a character 
that guarantee both stability and growth; material 
development has constantly gone hand in hand 
with the social upbuilding; school houses and 
churches have kept pace with business structures, 
while the homes of Meridian have always been, and 
are today, her people's pride and glory; they are 



FOR A QUARTER OF A CENTURY 



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Has continued its steady march of Progress 
until it stands to=day a leader 

The Oldest and Larg^est Music House in the State 

Careful Selection of Each Line of 



PIANOS ^ ORGANS 



Legitimate Prices, Fair and Honest Dealings, 
are responsible for our success 



PIANOS: 



Mason & Hamlin 
Conover 

Schubert 
Cable 

Wellington 



Kranich & Bach 
Hobart M. Cable 
Kingsbury 
Capen 
Bentley 



ORGANS 



PR/CES $225.00 TO $650 00 

GRESSETT, MASON & HAMLIN, ESTEY 



We think it will pay you to investigate our prices and terms, and our 
excellent line of instruments. 

Phone 67. Call or Write us. 

The a. Gressett Music House 



n&- 



2322 FRONT ST.. MERIDIAN. MISS. 



8 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



the best fruitage of the city's growth and the en- 
ergy of her citizenry; the supreme test by which a 
genuine prosperit}- is weighed and found not want- 
ing. Here are nourished the qualities and quanti- 
ties that make for a community's strength and 
greatness; here are born the inspiration to endeavor, 
the pride of achievement and the sense of responsi- 
bility, and here, too, dwell those graces and refine- 
ments of life that temper the shocks of commercial 
activity and soothe the wounds of defeat and failure. 
The homes of Meridian are a conspicuous feature of 
the city, both in their outward aspects of beauty 
and their inward power and influence, which are 
yielded for the benediction and refreshment of all 
the city's activities. 



POPULATION. 



The population of Meridian, today, is mora 
than 20,000; the latest city directory placing it over 
23,000; and no town in the South is growing more 
rapidly in this respect; and what is better the accre- 
tions in population are of the most desirable ele- 
ment, who are drawn hither by the business and 
industrial opportunities, splendid educational ad- 
vantages and wholesome social influences that pre- 
vail. 



MUNICIPAL EQUIPHENT. 

The physical equipment and the municipal 
utilities that obtain here are all in keeping with the 
best modern ideals; there are few cities of 20,000 
people anywhere in the South that enjoy greater 
advantages in this respect. 

SEWERAQE. 

A sewerage system, practically extending 
throughout the whole area of the city, was inaugu- 
rated ten years ago, and was the first improvement 
of this kind undertaken by any Mississippi town. 
The value of this sanitary equipment is realized in 
a health record that is not surpassed anywhere and 
the expenditure has been reimbursed many times 
over in the hygienic and sanitary economy. 

STREETS AND SIDEWALKS. 

The pritcipal business streets of the city are 
paved with vitrified brick and chert, while thirty- 
one miles of brick sidewalks afford a comfortable 
way for pedestrians from the remotest confines of 
the corporation. These sidewalks are scientifically 
laid on a substantial foundation, while a gradual 
slope from their outer edge to the street gutter, 
which is curbed with stone, afi'ords a perfect drain- 
age. This excellent system, which is not surpassed 
by any city in the South, was built by the city in 



lS9(')-'»7 out of the proceeds of bonds issued for the 
purpose, the city being reimbursed and the bonds 
met by annual assessments upon the abutting prop- 
erty where the sidewalks are laid. This method 
enabled the city to procure a uniform and far-reach- 
ing equipment in this respect, at a minimum cost 
to the property holder, payable by him in twenty 
annual installments. 

STREET RAILWAYS AND LIGHTS. 

A system of electric railways, extending from 
the limits of the city, north, east and west, and con- 
verging in the heart of the business district, yield 
quick and comfortable transit to and from every 
quarter of the town and contributes largely to resi- 
dential expansion. This railroad is now preparing 
to extend its lines bejond the city limits to the 
suburbs on the north and east, to embrace within 
the city those communities that, although beyond 
the corporate lines, are practically a part of the city. 
This extension has been accomplished to the Me- 
ridian male and female colleges north of the city, 
thus enabling students of these excellent institu- 
tions quick and comfortable transportation to and 
from the schools. 

The railway company has provided a pretty 
and well equipped resort, with a summer theatre, 
at North Park, where pic-nics by the children are 
often held and concerts and other out-door enter- 
tainments during the summer, afford delight- 
ful opportunities for recreation in the evening. 
The railway company furnishes the lights for the 
city, which are of the most approved and modern 
type and so placed as to give every part of the town 
the benefit of an all night illumination. 

WATER SUPPLY. 

The water works company has an extensive 
system, reaching all parts of the city, including the 
manufacturing establishments located beyond the 
city limits. Within the past few years, prompted 
by the progressive spirit that predominates in Me- 
ridian, many and costly improvements were made 
in this branch of our public utilities. 

The water supply of the city is from a source 
that is absolutely pure and needs no elaboration 
here. The question of municipal ownership of 
■water works was favorabl}- determined b)' practi- 
cally a unanimous vote, a year ago, and will doubt- 
less shortly be put into effect, either by purchase of 
the existing plant or the erection of a new and inde- 
pendent system; but whatever the determination, 
an abundance of pure and wholesome water is one 
of the important advantages that must attach to 
the city's future for all time, whether artesian wells 
be sunk or the numerous springs that gush from the 
hillsides surrounding the city shall be the source 
whence it is drawn. 



iwv^^wvvwwww»^vw»yvwwv»i 




TOM LYLE, 

MERIDIAN. MISS. 

Sf EeiAL LOW f f^lCES 

on White Goods, Silk and Crepe de 
Chine Shirt Waists, Ladies' Muslin 
Underwear, Embroideries, Laces and 
Corsets. .::::: 




A general line of Staple Dry Goods 
always on hand at prices that are 
right. ::::::: 






MERIDIAN, MISS. 



10 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



The excellence and abundance of the subter- 
ranean water supply is demonstrated in the abund- 
ant flowing- wells that have been sunk by manufac- 
turing establishments in various localities in the 
city's suburbs. The shops of the X. O. & N. E. R. 
R., the Eagle Oil Mills, the Meridian Cotton Fac- 
tory, the Ice Factory, and other large consumers, 
obtain their supplies from this source through 
wells varying in depth from 7U0 to 1,0U0 feet; and 
this water is not only pure and wholesome for drink- 
ing purposes, but is admirably adapted to boiler 
uses. 

HEALTH. 

The elevation of Meridian is about 500 feet 
above the sea level; situated in the midst of the 
pine woods, .the location is naturally healthful, and 
these conditions, supplemented by strict enforce- 
ment of hygienic and sanitary laws, has made this 
cit}' remarkabl}- healthful, the death rate being less 
than 14 per thousand of population, while expe- 
rience has demonstrated that yellow fever will not 
spread here. During recent epidemics in neighbor- 
ing towns a few cases of the dreaded scourge have, 
despite the utmost vigilance, been brought info the 
city; but in no instance has the fever extended 
beyond the patient afflicted, and no death from this 
disease has occurred here since 1878. Meridian has 
proved her exemption in this respect and is recog- 
nized as, practically, out of the fever zone. The 
city is one of the most healthful in the United 
States and her splendid reputation in this regard is 
sedulously guarded by wise and effective sanitary- 
regulations that every citizen feels that he is in 
honor bound to observe. 

A board of health, consisting of three physi- 
cians, and as many lay members, elected by the 
municipal boards, supervises all matters pertaining 
to sanitation and hygiene, while the city physician 
is the executive health officer and directs the sani- 
itary police in the elimination of nuisances that 
menace the public health. This important depart- 
ment of municipal administration is in capable and 
zealous keeping which assure a permanent salub- 
rity and the maintainance of a high health stand- 
ard. A book is kept open at the cit\- hall where 
citizens are invited to register any nuisance that 
may come under their observation; and it is the 
duty of the sanitary police to consult this book 
every afternoon and morning for complaints or 
reports of nuisances that may have escaped his 
individual observation. 

FIRE SERVICE AND INSURANCE. 

The fire service and equipment of Meridian is 
the best and most complete in the State, which fact 
is recognized by the insurance companies in giving 
the city the benefit of a first-class rating, thus 



reducing the cost of insurance to the minimum that 
obtains in the most favored cities and towns. This 
tax upon property being as absolute as that fixed 
by State or municipality is always a matter of con- 
sideration in estimating the advantages of a city as 
a place of residence or for investment, and the fact 
that the rate prevailing here is of the lowest will 
not be ignored by intelligent business men. 

A paid fire department is maintained under 
the direction of a chief whose zeal and enterprise 
have contributed largely to bringing the depart- 
ment up to the high standard of efficiency that 
marks it today and which assures the minimum 
fire insurance that obtains. The insurance laws of 
the State include the valued policy clause as it 
relates to real estate, but not to personal property. 

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 

The government of Meridian is organized under 
a special charter, which provides some advantages 
over the general provisions for town or city govern- 
ment contained in the general State laws. Instead 
of one, there are two legislative bodies, a board of 
aldermen, elected separately by the several wards, 
and a board of councilmen voted for by the whole 
city; these two bodies must concur in all matters of 
municipal legislation, and a check is thereby pro- 
vided against crude, hasty or unwise legislation. 
The mayor possesses the usual veto power, which 
there is only rare occasion to exercise, inasmuch as 
every matter of importance receives thorough dis- 
cussion and consideration by the dual boards before 
it is submitted to him for approval. 

The police service is under the control of a 
commission of citizens elected by the municipal 
boards, who serve without any pay, thus removing 
this branch of the service entirely from the influ- 
ence of politics; the city marshal, or chief of police, 
is elected by the people, but the force under him is 
nominated by the commission and confirmed by the 
dual city boards; the result i? general efficiency and 
a better service than usuallj' obtains in this impor- 
tant department of municipal administration. 

The rate of taxation for all purposes is 15>4 
mills; while the bonded debt of the city for all pub- 
lic improvements is only $375,200, notwithstanding 
every modern equipment for a city of a much larger 
population has already been provided. 

The mayor, city clerk, marshal or chief of 
police, and members of the municipal boards are 
elected bj- the people for terms of two years; the 
tax-collector and treasurer are elected for four 
years, and are not eligible to re-election to succeed 
themselves. The assessor and street commissioner 
are chosen by the city boards in joint session, as 
are also the school trustees, board of health, city 
physician and chief of the fire department. 



A. J. LYON Sc CO., 

WHOLESALE GROCERS, 



^^ 



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yr 



A\ 



DISTRIBUTORS OF 

OWL, ARTHURETTES AND GENERAL 
ARTHUR CIGARS, 



Cor. Front St. and 25th Ave. 



MERIDIAN, MISS. 



Long Experience and Familiarity 
with the trade of East Mississippi 
and West Alabama enable : : : 



rr 




rr 




A 



\j 



I 



to meet the requirements of their 

customers in every detail, both as 

to character of goods and prices. 
THE FARMER IS EQUIPPED HERE TO HIS PERFECT SATISFACTION; 

the Contractor and Builder finds 

his every requirement anticipated, 

while the Housekeeper is gratified 

with the pains taken to meet her 

taste and views on House Furnish= 

ings. :::::: 

Cor. Front St. and 22nd Ave., ^ ivicoiniAM MISS. 



12 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



A poll or street tax of three dollars annually is 
exacted of all male citizens and the payment of this, 
as all other taxes, is made a prerequisite to the 
enjoyment of the suffrage. This suffrage qualifica- 
tion is required in primary as well as general elec- 
tions, and operates as a wholesome restriction upon 
the franchise, eliminating the shiftless, irresponsi- 
ble and worthless voter from the election of public 
oPicials. 

The market house is the property of the city 
and under the direct supervision of the health 
department: all food stuffs there sold being subject 
to the inspection of the health officer. The stalls 
are rented and yield a handsome revenue to the 
city treasury. 



The people of Meridian find a generous satis- 
faction in their splendid educational facilities and 
accomplishment, and loyally hold up the hands of 
those engaged in this noble work in behalf of the 
new generation. 

The public school system is supplemented by a 
male college and a female college, both under the 
presidency of Prof. J. W. Beeson, and an ideal 
school for girls and young ladies in the Moffat- 
McLaurin Institute, a Catholic convent for young 
ladies and a boys' school operated by the Christian 
Brothers. 

Th2 rate of taxation for educational purposes 
is 2^2 mills, and the schools are administered by a 
board of trustees elected by the municipal boards. 




CITY HALL. 



EDUCATIONAL. 

The public schools of Meridian are the pride of 
her people and the objects of their unremitting 
interest and concern; nowhere is the institution of 
public instruction held in higher esteem than here, 
and nowhere has it reached a better development. 
The graded system obtains, and handsome, well- 
equipped school buildings are located in the north, 
east, south and west, easily accessible to children 
in every part of town, with a high school, centrally 
located, where the advanced pupils complete their 
course, finishes this ample educational equipment. 
The school term is eight months and the course of 
study covers ten years when the graduate, equipped 
with the best high school education that can be 
provided, is ready for the University or fitted for 
professional study or a business career. 



This trusteeship is an office of honor and not emol- 
ument, and the men chosen to discharge its respon- 
sible duties are usually citizens conspicuous for 
their intelligence, high character and zealous inter- 
est in the cause that they serve. The present board 
is composed as follows : W. E. Baskin, President; 
Edwin McMorries, E. B. McRaven, W. S. McAUum, 
W. N. Ethridge, men who command the confidence 
of the public ana whose names give assurance that 
the welfare of Meridian's educational interests are 
in capable and conscientious keeping. 

The growth of the public school system makes 
an interesting part of the city's annals and a brief 
sketch of this development, prepared by Hon. W. 
E. Baskin and incorporated in his address, on the 
occasion of the laying of the corner stone of the 
new high school building, December 5, 1902, is 



pr q 

Before you buy property, see the only 

EXCLUSIVE REAL ESTATE AGENT IN MERIDIAN: 

More Property, Better 
Property and Cheaper 
Property than any 
other agent in the city. 

WALTER Q. HODGES, 

Citizens National Bank Building, 
MERIDIAN. - - - MISSISSIRRI. 

Cemetery Work of Every Description Promply Attended to and Satisfaction Guaranteed. 
Estimates Given on all Kinds of Building Stone. 



ESTABLISHED 1869. 



^t'^^ 




MANUFACTURER AND IMPORTER OF 



AMERICAN AND ITALIAN MONUflENTS. 

MONUMENTS FINISHED IN ANY OF THE 
AMERICAN OR FOREIGN GRANITES. : : 

CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED. 

MERIDIAN, MISS. 

Marks, Rothenberg & Co. 

The Oldest and Largest 
Mercantile Establishment 
in the State. : : : 



This thoroughly reliable concern represents the 
leading mills and factories of America and Europe. 
It is one of the greatest distributors in the entire 
south. For years it has maintained and has been 
increasing its high reputation. 

b fl 



14 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



here given as illustratinij the spirit of educational 
progress that has characterized this people : 

"Just prior and up to the year 1884, the public 
schools of Meridian were the same as other public 
schools in Lauderdale county, or the same as coun- 
try schools, and the councilmen of our city were 
then ex-officio trustees of the city schools. Until 
this date of 1884 Meridian did not own any city 
property, as public school property. There were 
five public schools in Meridian at this time, three 
for white and two for negro children, employing 
six white and four negro teachers. These teachers 
were required to pay all the expenses of the school 
out of their salaries — that is, house rent, seats for 
the buildings and fuel for fires. The term was four 
months, and the enrollment of pupils for all the 
schools during this year were about 350 or 40U, 
white and negro pupils. 



amount of money used in the public schools of 
Meridian during this time, for white and negroes, 
was between $8,000 or S9,000 per annum. The 
number of pupils enrolled in the white school was 
about 300 the first year, and about 4no the second. 
In 1886 the board of trustees elected Hon. Andrew 
Armstrong Kincannon as principal, who now occu- 
pies the distinguished position of the president of 
the Industrial Institute and College for women, 
which institution is a crown of glory and diadem 
of beauty to the commonwealth of Mississippi. As 
principal of the city schools, his first term was for 
nine months, and by his wise policy the enrollment 
of the pupils increased so that the municipal boards 
added 112 feet more to the primitive shanty, making 
the old board house 212 feet long and 40 feet wide. 
In 1SS7 Mr. Kincannon, with a laudable ambi- 
tion to give the splendid citizenship of this mag- 




CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL. 



During the year 1884 the city bought a lot 
for public school purposes from the late L. A. 
Ragsdale, and part of this lot is still owned by the 
city and is adjacent to where the W. G. Stevenson 
primary school now stands. On the first Monday 
in September, 1884, was the date of the beginning 
of the present splendid system of public schools in 
Meridian. Prof. H. J. Frye was elected by the 
board of trustees as principal of this school, and 
was assisted by nine lady teachers. This school 
was opened in a board house forty feet wide and 
one hundred feet long, ceiled overhead, but not on 
the sides or ends. The first term taught in this 
house was ten months; the second term was nine 
months. The salary of Professor Frye, as prin- 
cipal, was $100 per month, and the average salary 
of the other teachers about $38 per month. The 



nificent city of ours such a school of schools as 
would be in accord with the culture and progress 
of the people of Meridian, at his own expense vis- 
ited the northwestern and northeastern states of 
our union, making practical observations as to the 
kind and character of the public schools in this 
section of our union. At this time it was in con- 
templation of our city fathers to erect suitable 
school buildings, properly equipped for the educa- 
tion of our children. 

The present system of district schools is due to 
the efforts of Mr. Kincannon, as there was then 
much mistaken opposition to the course that he 
desired to pursue. However, we have lived to see 
the wisdom of his acts, and we all today endorse 
what was done. 

On the completion of the Central, East and 
West End schools Mr. Kincannon was elected as 









* 



» »9»»9a» 9 : » :»: » »»a: »i»»»»aS:$^S »9»>:»:! > aa9a33 fea 



HENRY Q.MEYER 



Jeweler and Optician 



Successor to E. R. v. SEUTTER 



9> 












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tf 



I 






This name has been identified 
with the Jewelry Business of 
this section for nearly half a 
century and has a Record to 
sustain for : : ; : 



JUST, LIBERAL and HONORABLE DEALING 

This stock comprises whatever 
is Tasteful, Beautiful and Artis= 
tic in Current Fancies for per- 
sonal ornament or adornment 
of Boudoir, Parlor or Library. 

SILVERWARE AND ARTICLES OF VERTU 

are bought directly of the man= 
ufacturers and selected with 
discrimination and care to meet 
the exactions of critical taste 
and artistic perception. : : 

WATCHES, JEWELRY AND DIAMONDS 

in style and value to captivate 

every fancy and to suit every 

purse. : : : : : 

An Expert Optician fits and adapts to the eye, absolutely, all Glasses 

purchased here. 



HENRY Q. HEYER 



Corner 5th St. and 23rd Ave., 



MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI 



t^^^^€€€€fe^'^.^€^-^^€€€€fc^''C-v-fe€€€€€€€€€€€^-€€^-€€^-c€€€€^^€^^€^^^€^^^^^-^-^€€€€€€€^^^€€^ 



16 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



superintendent of all the schools, and the following- 
able board of trustees were elected to co-operate 
with him : Hon. S. A. Witherspoon, representing 
ward one; Hon. E. E. Spinks, the present mayor of 
our city, representing^ ward two; Hon. John T. 
Chalk, ward three; Col. W. G. Stevenson, ward 
four, and Dr. M. V. B. Miller, ward five. 

Meridian public schools, under the administra- 
tion of Superintendent Kincannon, were a success, 
and the increase in point of citizenship and wealth 
to the city was observed by all who took notice of 
our municipal progress. 

In 1894, we are told, Maj. William Patton, an 
eminent educator of New York, was in the city of 
Meridian, and when shown the public school build- 
ings and informed as to their short life, declared 
that 'he did not think there was another town in 
the United States that could have made such a 
showing as to schools in this short length of time.' 

The cost per capita in the Meridian schools was 
reduced to 85 cents per month. All other separate 
school districts in the State, as I am informed, were 
much higher, ranging from 97 cents to $2.05 per 
capita per month at this time. 

By a petition, unanimously signed by citizens 
living on the South Side of our city, which petition 
met the hearty approval of the superintendent of 
the city schools, the boards of trustees and munici- 
pal authorities established a public school in said 
community or district. 

In 1891, five years after Superintendent Kin- 
cannon took charge of the Meridian public schools, 
the value placed on the Meridian public school 
property was over $60,000. The high standing of 
the Meridian free public schools at this time at 
home and abroad was such as to attract the atten- 
tion of the best citizens living in other sections of 
the State, and many out of the State; and many 
moved into Meridian, making their homes with us 
and investing their money with us. 

In 1896, when Mr. Kincannon resigned his 
ofBce as superintendent of the Meridian public 
schools to enter upon the duties of state superin- 
tendent of education, to which office he had been 
elected by the people of Mississippi, he left in 
Meridian four brick school houses for whites and 
one brick school house for negro children, of the 
value of $100,000, thirty-nine teachers and an 
enrollment of 1,900 pupils. 

Mr. Kincannon was succeeded in his great 
work by that splendid soldier, Christian genteman 
and great educator, Dr. John Greer Dupree, who 
held the oflBce for only one year, when he resigned 
it to accept a chair in the university of our State, 
where he occupies the unique position of being able 
to teach with ability either Latin, Greek, math- 
ematics or pedagogy. 



Dr. Dupree was succeeded by Prof. J. C. Fant 
as superintendent. He now holds that position, 
and by his ability and good management the city 
public schools have been sustained in their high 
reputation as made for them by Superintendent 
Kincannon and Dr. J. G. Dupree. 

I should feel, ladies and gentlemen, that I had 
not given the complete epitome of the history of 
our free public schools were I to fail to bring to 
your minds one whose name has been connected 
with the Meridian city schools, as well as Lauder- 
dale count}- schools. Years ago his ideal was to 
see the city and county dotted all over with school 
houses, well constructed and well furnished, in 
order that our children might be trained up to be- 
come the enemies of ignorance and vice, and to 
have their pathway through life lighted by the 
lamp of culture, honesty and virtue. This man has 
lived to see his ideal realized as to the city schools, 
and also the beginning of his ideal as to country 
schools. Shall I call this man's name ? Every 
child in Meridian knows Col. W. G. Stevenson, and 
loves him; and the board of trustees, knowing of 
his great fondness for the little tots, have chris- 
tened the only exclusive primary school as the W. 
G. Stevenson Primary School — an honor to anyone, 
as it is a model school. 

I must add that today we have an enrollment 
of 2,000 white children and 500 negro children in 
our free public schools. We have fortj'-four white 
teachers and nine negro teachers, and expend for 
salaries of our teachers $20,400 for our term of 
eight and one-half months." 

The graduating class of the session of '03-'04, 
numbering thirty-six girls and boys, was the 
largest in the history of the schools and creditable 
alike to the accomplished and devoted faculty no 
less than the able and zealous superintendent. This 
trinit}- has combined to make the schools of Me- 
ridian the pride of her people : Public interest, 
faithful administration, capable direction. A live 
interest on the part of citizens has influenced a 
wise selection of trustees whOi in turn, have chosen 
men of exceptional ability to the office of superin- 
tendent. 

The curriculum of the schools of Meridian is 
formed after the best standards; it is progressive 
and orderly; bringing the pupil up to an equip- 
ment for the Freshman class of the State University 
at the age that most young people go to college. 
A boy or girl entering the primary grade at six 
years completes the course at 16, if attendance has 
been regular and continuous, and is then well 
grounded in English and Mathematics and with 
an elementary knowledge of Latin. 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



17 




Arundel Lithia Springs 



Its Advantages as a Watering Place. 

This delio^htfnl resort is located in the pine hills 
of East Mississippi, on the New Orleans & North- 
eastern Railroad, four miles southwest of Meridian, 
a city of twenty thousand population. 

It is free from mosquitoes and malaria, 
and from the disadvantages, prevalent at most 
watering places, of extravagance in dress, and all 
artificial nonsense. Guests are made to feel en- 
tirely at home, free to rest and recuperate, and enjoy 
themselves without the restraint of those conven- 
tionalities of modern society so obnoxious to sensi- 
ble people. 

A beautiful drive extends from Meridian to the 
Springs, traversed by a daily hack line, for the 
accommodation of guests, with the superadded 
advantages of double daily trains on the New Or- 
leans & Northeastern Railroad. 

Telephone facilities are afforded guests without 
charge. The Tennis Court, Ten Pin Alley, Swings, 
Boating, Promenades, and other diversions are open 
to the use and enjoyment of guests at all seasonable 
hours, without additional charge. 

The Natural Attractions. 

The natural attractions are numerous and 
varied. In fact, nature has done for Arundel all 
that was in her power to do, and art has added 



many others, rendering it a 
delightful resort lor rest and 
recuperation. 

The grounds are a veritable 
7 ark. The site of the hotel is 
a commanding one, surrounded 
by giant oaks and pines, dis- 
pensing refreshing shade and 
resirous perfumes, with a land- 
scape hardl}- equaled in the 
South, overlooking the railroad 
acd meadows, and a grand 
chain of mountain-like hills in 
the distance— theSouthern spur 
of the Blue Ridge. 

Wild flowers grow in glad- 
some profusion; the magnolia, 
the ivy, and the honeysuckle 
abound. The mockingbird, the 
lark, the linnet, and divers 
other Southern songsters fill 
the air with strains of sweetest 
music. 

A pearly lake of fresh, live, 
sparkling waters, fed by a bold 
spring stream of capacity of some sixty thousand 
gallons per day, is located within two hundred 
yards of the hotel, furnishing delightful boating, 
and, in the near future, excellent trout fishing, it 
having been stocked with yearling trout and other 
game fish. Here also a commodious natatorium 
will be presently provided, affording opportunities, 
especially to women and children, of learning and 
enjoying the art of swimming. Water is pumped 
by hydraulic ram to an elevation of one hundred 
feet or more into a 5,600 gallon tank, elevated above 
the hotel, for domestic and sanitary uses. 

The climate is most salubrious, and this is 
heightened by the gulf breeze sweeping through an 
hundred miles of pine forests exhaling the purest 
of resinous perfumes. The thermometer rarely 
rises above ninety, and few are the nights, even in 
midsummer, when covering is not needed. 

The hotel is a 
new two-story 
building, with 
modern appoint- 
ments, newly and 
suitably furnished 
—baths, hot and 
cold, closets, etc. 

Under the man- 
agem en t of Mr. 
Henry J. Ruling, 
an ideal host and 
caterer of experi- 




18 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



ence, this resort is gaining- as wide a 
fame for the character of its entertain- 
ment as for the excellence of its wa- 
ters. The table is supplied with every 
seasonable delicacy, and every provis- 
ion is made for the comfort and enjoy- 
ment of guests. 



Arundel Lithia Water. 



Arundel Lithia Water is pronounced 
on high authority the equal, if not 
the superior, of any known mineral 
water, either in the point of analytical 
excellence or curative virtue. 

The analysis shows those rarest oi 
minerals. Lithium, Rubidium, and 
Cjcsium, in combination with Sulphate 
of Magnesium, in water of unparalleled 
purity. 

It cures Bright's Disease. This remarkble fact 
is announced on high authority. It is prescribed 
by all physicians (who know anytning about it) in 
all Kidney, Bladder, and Stomach troubles, inclu- 
sive of Dyspepsia, Dropsy. Gout, Calculi, Cystitis, 
Stricture, Albuminuria, Rheumatism, Pregnancy, 
and Fevers. 

In Nausea, and "Whisky Stomach," and as a 
"Chaser" it has no equal. 

It is a peerless table water — clear as crystal, no 
sediment, delightful to the taste, a fine appetizer, 
and an enemy to indigestion. 




No loss of vitality by age if kept tightly corked. 

Drink freely for speedy and satisfactory results. 

Pamphlets of reports and testimonials of the 
highest character will be furnished on application. 

ARUNDEL LITHIA SPRINGS CO., 
P. O. Drawer 567, 

MERIDIAN, MISS. 



UMMM MMH'MMiM^^M^ViM^JmMMV^MMMMt^^WiMi^^M^M^MMW^iM^^ 



M©!f S^i^M ^|^;Tn^5s^ 




Hodern Sanitary Plumbing:, 
Gas and Steam Fittings, 
Electric Fans and Electrical 
Repairing, Cabinet Hantles, 
Tiling and Grates. : : : : 

Fourth St., Bet. 22nd and 23rd Aves., 

i MERIDIAN, = = - =. MISSISSIPPI. 



%f\ 



vffWfWWWffwt^wfWAWfMWfmmfffmwmmvwmffmfmmfftfMmrwfwtmfmfWfmfmfwnmf^^ 



/WWW¥WWW^^^^^^^^V^^^^V^^^^V^^^^V^^^^^^^^^^^VA^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^' 






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406-408 22nd Avenue, 







MERIDIAN, MISS. * 



^ Telephone 625, = = = 

The Best Goods, always, at the 
Lowest Possible Prices, Polite 
Attention and Quick Delivery. 

Agents for McCall's Patterns. 



eJOJHN KAMf ER JVIILLING CO. 

niLLERS, 






And Wholesale Grain Dealers. 



^ 
c?-^ 



Car Lots a Specialty. Correspondence Solicited. 



MERIDIAN. MISS. 



(flereSamts Vimon |Ks?afcae@G (2©. 

OF MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI. 

The first company ever organized in the state with a 

fully paid up capital. 

PAID UP CAPITAL S100,000. 

Over $10,000 net surplus after Yazoo City confla= 

gration. 

L. ROTHENBERQ, Prest. H. M. STREET, Sec'y. 



\/VWWWWVWWWWWW^i^»^V^^^^^^V^^^^V^^^^^^ ^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ 



29 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTKATED. 



SOCIAL. 



There is, perhaps, no large town in the United 
States where the social status of the individual is 
more emphatically' fixed by moral worth than in 
Meridian. Equally removed from the extremes of 
wealth and poverty, owniug no paupers nor million- 
aires, there are no class distinctions save those that 
distinguish the worker from the loafer, the honest 
man from the rogue, the moral from the immoral, 
the educated from the ignorant. In the social 
economy prevailing, worthiness is the supreme test, 
and it is inexorably applied in ever}- relation of 
life. A potent moral influence dominates the com- 



< 

-! 

here, that a goodly proportion of our most influen- 
tial citizens in every line of business came from 
north of Mason and Dixon line and their social 
status is unquestioned. 

The refinements of society obtain here in an 
eminent degree; and culture, along" the lines of 
music, art and literature is nourished by societies 
devoted to the study of each, whose membership 
embraces ladies and gentlemen of good talents and 
earnest purpose. The drama is here encouraged, 
and one of the handsomest and best appointed thea- 
tres in the South affords, during a season of sevea 
months, entertainment by the best histrionic talent 
in the country. A lyceum course, under the aus.- 




\ 



MAPLE COTTAQE="JUDQE R. F. COCHRAN'S RESIDENCE. 



munity and all who seek social recognition must 
conform to it. 

A cordial welcome and the kindliest hospitality 
awaits every new comer in the midst of this people; 
ihe right hand of fellowship is at once extended 
and never withdrawn except for cause. No oile 
asks any question as to politics, place of birth or 
religion of the stranger; whether Democrat or 
Republican, whether from Maine or Florida, 
whether Jew or Gentile, the same welcome and 
feindly consideration awaits him, if only he exhibits 
those essentials of conduct and charactei that be- 
long to good citizenship. It may be said right 



pices of the Y. M. C. A., contributes every winter 
to intellectual growth and entertainment and re- 
ceives a. liberal patronage. 

^ r-. CHURCHES. 

The' handsome churches of Meridian, the hig 
character of their ministers and priests, and the 
large congregations that fill them every Sunday are 
evidences of the wholesome influences that govern 
the social life of the city. They are active in 
every movement for the moral betterment while 
every work of benevolence enlists' their generous 
aid. There is no dominating creed, but all work 




iUi>l.li/ 



s: o E 

That possess Style, 
Quality and Comfort, 
is what makes the 



I 

so popular. And it is 
rapidly becoming the 

AMiLY jShoe Store 

OF MERIDIAN. 





FEET HURTS! 

All th's can be avoided 
by allowing us to FIT 
YOUR FEET. We know 

how, and we guarantee a fit. 

Try us one time. Every Style 

and Quality, 

QUARLES SHOE CO. 




Feet Hurt? 




Southern Standard Cotton Press Company 



MANUFACTURERS OF 

COTTON AND HAY PRESSES 

Dealers in Machinery, Mill Supplies, Wire Rope, Cane & Corn Mills, Gins, McCormick Mowers, Etc. 




m^ 



-DEALER IN- 



7cri JO 



MEATS, VEAL, PORK, MUTTON, GAME, 

Fish and Oysters, Dressed Chickens and Turkeysj?^^ i^ 



^*i 



Telephone No, 40. 



1 890J3 



rJjuoS oiQity Market. 



.g^XiJ U1.1J 



22 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



harmoniously together for the common good, each 
guided by the lights vouchsafed them. Catholic 
and Protestant, Jew and Gentile, unite, without 
friction, in every good enterprise for the relief of 
suffering or the uplifting of the moral standard. 
The broad tolerance that obtains among all creeds 
contributes to the cohesiveness of these influential 
agencies in social upbuilding and makes more 
effective the individual and common effort. The 
churches and Sunday schools of Meridian are con- 
spicuous and beneficent factors in the city's civil 
and social economy. 

The different sects and creeds are thus repre- 
sented by churches : 

Catholic, one. 



While surrounded by a thrifty and prosperous 
agricultural country, whose trade must inevitably 
assure a large degree of commercial activity, suffi- 
cient always to sustain a town of respectable pro- 
portions, the intelligence and enterprise of this 
people have not ignored the exceptional advantages 
prevailing here for manufactures and the energies 
of this citizenship are largely directed towaras 
building here a city whose strength will abide, to 
an eminent degree, in its internal industrial re- 
sources. These advantages for this kind of enter- 
prise are here enjoyed : 

First. Proximity to raw material for textile, 
wood and iron manufactures. 




FOURTH STREET, LOOKING EAST. 



Episcopal, two. 

Methodist, four. 

Baptist, four. 

Christian, one. 

Presbyterian, two. 

Cumberland Presbyterian, one. 

Jewish, one. 

Besides these missions of the Christian Cath- 
olic ( Zion) church, and other denominations are 
sustained. A flourishing Young Men's Christian 
Association is doing a good work, while a branch 
of the Salvation Army is also stationed in the city. 

MANUFACTURING. 

Few cities of the South yield better opportuni- 
ties for manufacturing enterprises than does Me- 
ridian, and these have not been neglected. 



Second. Easy accessibility to the markets of 
of the world and reasonable freight rates. 

Third. Cheap fuel; steam coal costing, as a 
rule, not more than two dollars per ton. 

Fourth. An abundance of labor unaffected by 
the disorders that embarrass industrial operations 
elsewhere. 

Fifth. Exemption of all textile, iron or wood 
manufactures from taxation for a period of ten 
years. 

Sixth. A wide pervading public sentiment that 
fosters and encourages every manufacturing enter- 
prise that seeks location here. 

Seventh. The absence of any legislation or 
suggestion thereof, tending to embarrass the rela- 
tions of employer and employee. 



I MISSISSIPPI 

ICOTTON OIL CO. 



I 
/ft 
/ft 



St) 



$ 
$ 



MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI. 






I THE PIONEER HILL | 



I AND LARGEST IN THIS SECTION. 

I MANUFACTURERS OF 

I 

I Cotton Seed Meal, 

I Cotton Seed Hulls, Loose and Sacked, 

I Cotton Seed Lint, 

1 Cotton Seed Oil. 

t 

% 

% 



\1» 



I 



This company enjoys the fullest confidence of the 

I trade on account of 

I quality and weights 

I of its products, as | 

I well as promptness 

I and courtesy in serving customers. Highest mar= 

I ket prices paid for seed. . I 



24 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



Recognizing- these things local capital has not 
been slow to take advantage of them and the city 
points with just pride to the splendid success 
achieved by every factory established in Meridian 
during recent years. Their growth has been con- 
tinuous, and the markets reached by their products 
constantly enlarging as their capacity expanded. 

The manufactures today in profitable operation 
in Meridian are : 

One cotton mill, 

Four cotton-seed oil mills, 

Three fertilizer factories, 

Two foundries and machine shops. 

One furniture factory. 

One corn meal and grist mill, 

One soap factory. 

Two ice factories, 



The T. J. Bostick & Sons' sash, door and blind 
factory is a striking illustration of the possibilities 
that wait on wood-working establishments in Me- 
ridian. In a very few years, through the enter- 
prise, energy and intelligence of the management, 
this concern has developed into one of the largest 
plants of its kind in the State and is constantly 
extending the territory of its trade in everj- descrip- 
tion of the finished products of lumber. 

In addition to these are located here the shops 
of the Oueen and Crescent railroad system, giving 
employment to more than three hundred people, 
skilled and unskilled. The Meridian Gas Light 
Compan}-, which is constantly expanding its service 
to embrace every part of the cit}- and the Electric 
Light and Railwaj' Company, which has the con 




'1 






FIFTH STREET LOOKING WEST. 



Twelve wood-working plants. 

Two saddle and harness factories, 

Two candy factories. 

Two steam laundries. 

Two hay press factories, 

Three brick manufactories. 

Three mattress and broom factories, 

One pants and overalls factory, 

Two bottling works. 

One cigar factory. 

One box factory, 

Two excelsior factories, 

One cofBn factory. 

One ladder factory, 

One chair factory, 

One book bindery, 



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tract for city illumination, each employ in their 
useful service a large number of men. 

The pay-rolls of this industrial aggregation are 
no inconsiderable factor in the economy of the city 
as it relates to the retail trade; and as this indus- 
trial equipment increases, persuaded by the suc- 
cesses alreauy achieved, every interest is bound to 
feel the impulse of activity therein imparted. 

The encouragement of manufactures is a gos- 
pel of universal acceptance among all classes in 
Meridian, because every one realizes that herein 
lies the best assurance for the future growth and 
prosperity of the city, and every enterprise of this 
character here was launched and is conducted by 
home people and capital, thus giving proof of the 
faith that animates the preaching of that industrial 



^WVVWV^WWWVVW%<VWS» V I^WWVXVWV\ WVWV » ^<V»<V V VV 



F A C T S ^^^^ HANDSOHE ROCKER 

■ ril'/li;;-" 



Our business is uphol- 
steriog iu all its branches. 
We are here to stay and 
we have already the rep- 
utation of doing as good 
work as can be aiade 
anywhere. 

If you buy anything 
in the upholstering line 
from the furniture store, 
you have no assurance of 
how it i& made as he buys 
it from the factory where 
it is put up, generally, (or 
the lowest price. It is 
generally made to look 
most attractive, but soon 
breaks down, as we have 
seen many handsome 
couches do in six months 
time. Well, you go|back 
where you liought it and 
tell him your troubles. 
Yes, he will say, they do 
break down sometimes. 

Skirt Boxes, something 
new, can be used in the 
parlor, or anywhere, and 
answer as a seat as well 
as a tine place to store 
your best clothes. 

Box Couches which 
answer for a fine resting 
place when you are tired 
and a fine wardrobe un- 
derneath whicli no one 
would know was there. 




$1. Down, $1. per week. Will Last for a Lifetime. 



Fine big Dongola Imported Couches, in New York Leather, $22.00, one 
dollar down, one dollar per week. Buy of the manufacturer; cut out the 
middle man. We can compete with all comers, besides giving you the very 
best work. Well, our side of it is. we do not pretend to make a job for you 
that will last forever, but we do say this, that when you deal with us, you 
know who made it, and we are here all the time and expect to be. as our 
trade is steadily increasing, and if we do not do good work we know that 
you will be in to see us, if you are dissatisfied, and that you will tell your 
neighbors all about us. Does this not appeal to you? It ought to. 




2326 Fourth Street, = = = MERIDIAN, MISS. 



26 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



Sfospel. The success of these local undertakings is 
a constant invitation to others because thev demon- 
strate practically the value of the advantages above 
enumerated. 

The State, county and municipal tax exemp- 
tions are an index of the cordial welcome that 
awaits investment in these lines; the splendid rail- 
road facilities and reasonable freight rates are im- 
portant considerations; the salubrity of the climate, 
the absence of industrial disorders, the low cost of 
fuel, ths proximity of raw materials, and the low 



LUMBER. 

The manufacture and sale of lumber, both in 
the rough and the finished product, are important 
factors in the industrial and commercial equipment 
of the city, giving employment to a large number 
of people and bringing a generous volume of money 
hither. The long leaf yellow pine is the principal 
source of supply and is shipped hence in enormous 
quantities to the North and West. The volume of 
the lumber business in Meridian is very great and 




FEDERAL BUILDING. 



cost of living, combine to afford advantages for 
manufacturing which few communities can boast 
and which must necessarily make Meridian, ulti- 
mately, one of the important industrial centers of 
the South. The cotton mills, which have been in 
operation here since 1896, have doubled their capac- 
ity since their establishment and the success 
achieved has inspired a movement for another fac- 
tory of equal capacity by home capital. 



constantly increasing as the number of mills erected 
in the circumjacent territory is multiplied. 

Perhaps no point in the South possesses greater 
advantages for the establishment of wood-working 
factories than does this city; for here, at our doors, 
are unlimited supplies of both soft and hard woods 
in the perfection of growth. In addition to the 
almost inexhaustible supplies of long leaf yellow 
pine, large areas of oak, hickory and other hard 
woods abound, inviting to the manufacture of 




A 



uul 




THE FRONT STREET 



AND DEALER IN TOILET ACCESSORIES, 

Has added another building to accommodate his increasing trade in Wall 
Paper and Paints, where are kept constantly 

in stock 

American Mixed Paints, Carter's Lead, and the 
Latest Styles in Wall Paper. 

FRONT STREET, = - = MERIDIAN, MISS. 

tJURU^Y SADDU^RY COMPANY, 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

SADDLERY AND HARNESS, 

Dealers in Wagons, Buggies, Hacks, Surries, Phaetons, Etc., 

MERIDIAN, MISS. 



.^.I^ 



The Name 




Has become synonymous in Meridian 
and East Mississippi with Matutinal 
and Evening Refreshment, because it 

is his Exclusive Business to minister 

^/\\^ I V ^1 ^ ^J I ^ to the Tea and Breakfast Tables. 

He has fixed a standard of excellence in Teas, Coffees, Sugars, Etc., that he 
could not depart from if he would. COFFEE ROASTED EVERY DAY, 
therefore always fresh. When the best is wanted, order of 

CORNER ftth ST. and 23rd AVE. r\ , ij . I\l I \J L-Kj l\l , 

CLIFF WILLIAHS MACHINE COMPANY, 

HOME OFFICE, MERIDIAN, MISS. 

Our Portable Sawmills on wheels cut stuff 40 feet loDg. Move one day and run the next. We 
build a mill especially for hardwood. Road eog-ines are cheaper than horses. We manufacture 

Log Carts, Go-Devils, and Low Wagons. 
We carry stock ot mill supplies and repair 
machinery. We carry stock of mills, and have branch olhees, Ilattiesburg and Galfport, Miss., 

and Mobile, Ala. 

CLIFF WILLIAMS, Meridian, Miss. 



i I 



WE HANDLE NEW MOLASSES BARRELS. 

MARVEY <fe CO., 



-DEALERS IN- 



Wool, Hides, Furs, Cotton, Beeswax, Etc., 



310=312 26th Avenue, 



MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI. 



28 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



vehicles aad furniture of every kiad. It is a little 
remarkable to observe car loads ol these hard woods 
shipped from this vicinity to some point in the 
West to be returned to us in buggies, carts, wagons, 
agricultural implements and household furniture; 
but signs are abundant that the days of this kind 
of economic paradox are numbered, and hereafter 
the profit of the manufacture will be kept at home. 
The wood-working plants now in profitable opera- 
tion in Meridian give assurance of a multiplication 
of factories of this character. 



COMMERCIAL. 



Commercial Meridian is a development; a grad- 
ual, if rapid, growth that has known no backward 
step since the beginning of the town; year by year 
the volume of business transacted here has steadily 



Meridian has never known any large commer- 
cial failure, and few indeed of any kind; which fact 
demonstrates the soundness and conservative char- 
acter of her business enterprises and the men who 
conduct them. Many have wondered at this re- 
markable trade development and asked whence it 
came and what nourished it; superficially, little 
could be seen to justify such progress, and even our 
own people frequently ask what makes the town 
grow and prosper as it does, because there is, appa- 
rently, no single agency conspicuously present as a 
contributing cause. But the wonder disappears 
when one looks beneath the surface and recognizes 
a variety and multiplicity of forces, harmoniousl}" 
working together towards a common end. 

In the first place, a public spirit abides among 
these business men that nourishes civic pride and 
patriotism, and makes united and cohesive all the 





^9 m^ ^a 



- ^^ 







MASONIC TEMPLE. 



increased, year by year the trade territory has been 
expanded, the business houses grown taller and 
broader and new ones constantly added to keep pace 
with the development, until today the city boasts 
the largest wholesale and retail houses in the State, 
several of them equalling in stocks carried and 
annual business the leading firms of Atlanta and 
New Orleans; and like everything else in Meridian, 
each one of these big concerns is home grown; the 
result of steady accretions from year to year from 
modest beginnings. No large capital ever launched 
a business in this city; the houses that are today 
selling goods all over Alabama and Mississippi 
contemplated, in their beginning, only local demands 
and the expansion has been a logical result of the 
inevitable processes of growth. 



forces and capabilities of the community in achiev- 
ing things for the city's aggrandisement. The 
men who lead in commercial undertakings are 
usually men of high character, commanding the 
confidence of the public, and moral, as well as finan- 
cial strength, is exacted of all who aspire to leader- 
ship. The Board of Trade and Cotton Exchange 
is the medium through which these forces are 
united and made effective, and the sense of pride in 
the city and her advancement is kept alive and 
nourished. This moral resource does not proclaim 
itself, but it is the ground work of Meridian's com- 
mercial growth and prosperity. 

The material agencies that contribute most 
largely to this wholesome development are the 
junction here of important railroads, the generous 



/ 



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A> 




BARBOUR'!) 



THE BUSY STORE 



Front St., Meridian, Miss. 



w 



"Yor Mony Bak if you want it. 



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KAYO'S ST^AM POTTUING WORKS, 

MANUFACTURERS AND BOTTLERS OF 

Soda Water, Seltzer and Cider. 

The Purity and Excellence of our goods are recognized wherever they are 

introduced, and that is why we 

keep all of our old customers 

and make new ones every day. 

Swimming Pool and Shower Bath Annex. 

Cor. 5th St. and 26th Ave., = = M ERI DIAN , MISS. 



% 



9i 



PAINT, 
O SODA WATER, 
GARDEN SEED, 



EVERYTHING 

UT IN 

DRUGS. 






<i> 




Phone 145. 



T. I . :' ! ;''»*.4 mmQ!F' ' . ' ' . I ' ' . ' I ^ 

MERIDIAN, MISS. 



4th St. and 22nd Ave., 









WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN 



Dry Goods, Clothing:, Shoes and Groceries. 

Makes a Specialty of Reliable Goods. Courteous attention and prompt | 

Delivery and low prices. 

208 and 210 22nd Avenue, MERIDIAN, MISS. 



e€ cc€€ € €gg$;g6€€€eee€eec-: ce €cc c cccececg:efe€ggg€e^^ge e€ <: 6e €€ee 6e e€€€g$;$!geg€ee€€€g 



t 



50 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



cotton receipts, amounting' to over an hundred thuo- 
sand bales annually, the liberal prices paid for the 
staple by local merchants to keep trade at home, 
the large lumber interests that are centered here 
and the large number of manufacturing enterprises 
that have found homes in this city, induced hither 
by the manifold advantages that are offered. 

These agencies, combined, have produced re- 
sults that no single agency could have accom- 
plisheed; because where reliance is upon one source 
of support, any disaster to that interest works dis- 
couragement to enterprise if it does not do serious 
harm to business; whereas, with several sources of 
strength to draw from, the failure of one is not so 
serious and never calamitous. 

The commercial equipment of the city today 
consists in 



Eight dealers in paints and oils, 

Four dealers in harness and saddlery, 

Seven furniture dealers. 

Two hide and wool merchants, 

Seven hotels. 

Five livery stables. 

Three photograph galleries, 

Eight fire insurance agencies. 

Ten drug stores, 

Twenty-eight retail dry goods stores, 

Twelve retail clothing stores. 

Sixty-five retail grocers, 

Eight milliners. 

One upholsterer. 

Two organ and piano dealers, 

Three job printing offices, 

One daily newspaper. 




K. THREEFOOT'S RESIDENCE, 



Five banks. 

One iire insurance company. 

Twelve cotton buyers. 

Six commission merchants, 

Nine wholesale grocers. 

Four wholesale dry goods houses. 

Six hardware dealers. 

Three booksellers and stationers. 

Four wholesale clothing dealers, 

Five wood and coal dealers. 

Fifteen lumber merchants, 

Three dealers in builders supplies, 

Three plumbers. 

Two dealers in mill supplies, 

Five dealers in vehicles, 

Five dealers in mules and horses, 



Four coal dealers, 

Five jewelers, 

Two exclusive shoe dealers, 

Eight restaurants. 

Two marble yards, 

Seven merchant tailors. 

Three bakeries. 

Besides these there is the usual complement of 
confectioners, fruit dealers, meat and fish markets, 
etc., etc., that go to suppl}- the needs of a modern 
city. 



Insure in the Merchants Union Insurance Com- 
pany and keep mot>ey at home. Represented by all 
agents in Meridian. 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



31 



The Citizens National Bank. 



If any single institution of Meridian mig-ht be 
selected as typical of the growth and develop- 
ment of the city, as illustrating- the processes of 
that growth, as they have been unfolded during- 
the past fifteen years; if any institution has been 
peculiarly a consistent part of the commercial and 
industrial expansion, keeping time and rhythm 
with that movement, in its ever broadening- lines, 
that institution is the Citizens National Bank, the 
tangible and cumulative expression of commercial 
achievement. 

In 1888 Meridian was a modest town, but am- 
bitious and hopeful; iwo strong banks seemed to 
supply the commercial needs of the place, but it 
occurred to Mr. W. A. Brown and others that there 
■was room here for a savings bank, owned and 
directed by home people, organized and conducted 
on conservative lines. The capital was fixed at 
1000 shares of $50 each, payable in monthly install- 
ments of one dollar per share. This was certainly 
an unique method of organizing a bank, but the 
man who originated the plan had the confidence of 
the community and faith in its feasibility; so that 
in a very short time the shares were all taken, 
and in March, 1888, a charter was obtained and the 
Citizens Savings commenced business, in modest 
quarters, on May 7th, following, with Thos. H. 
Woods for president, W. A. Brown, cashier, and 
Paul Brown, the present popular assistant cashier, 
was runner. 

The new enterprise was strictly a home insti- 
tution, owned and directed by home people; unos- 
tentatious, its best capital was the business capac- 
ity and integrity of the men who managed it, and 
public confidence was early manifested in a liberal 
line of savings as well as ordinary deposits. Day 
by day the business of the bank constantly in- 
creased, each quarterly statement showed a still 
larger volume of business, and during the next ten 
years annually added to its strength, popularity and 
influence in the commercial world; commanding an 
ever increasing respect and confidence. The finan- 
cial storm of 1893, that strewed the commercial 
shore with wrecks of ancient institutions, passed 
over the stalwart young bank and left it more strong- 
ly entrenched than ever in the confidence of the busi- 
ness world. 

These were the years of Meridian's internal 
development, of constant trade accretion and indus- 
trial growth; the city, soon after the panic of '93, 
began a period of substantial and enduring pro- 
gress that enlisted all her people's energies and 
capital; and in the forefront of this onward move- 
ment, this real and rational upbuilding, were found 
the resources of the Citizens Bank and the activi- 
ties of the men who directed its affairs, guiding, 
aiding, strengthening every legitimate and helpful 
enterprise. In 189'» the capital was increased to 
$75,000. 

In 1900 the man who had stood at the helm 
from the day when the bank was launched upon the 
commercial seas, who had steered it over shoals and 
through the tempest of financial panic to the serene 
waters of established confidence and permanent 
prosperity, won the recognition that he had earned. 



and Mr. W. A. Brown was elected to the presidency. 
Col. H. M. Street, than whom no man more 
completely commands the unqualified confidence and 
esteem of the people, not onl}- of Meridian, but of 
all Mississippi, was chosen vice-president; Mr. J. 
E. Reed, just retired from the oPice of sheriff, with 
a record as official and private citizen of which any 
man might be justly proud, assumed the duties of 
cashier, and Mr. Paul Brown, who had won his 
honors by twelve years of intelligent, zealous and 
faithful servant, was made assistant cashier. 

In 1901 the general banking business having so 
largely outgrown the savings feature of the bank, 
it was decided to eliminate this department, and 
the Citizens Bank was the result, with capital in- 
creased to $100,000, the officers remaining the same 
as before, and the business of the bank keeping 
pace with the rapid commercial expansion, that 
began to develop about this time, and which has 
been cumulative up to this writing. 

The mergence of the Meridian National Bank 
into the Union Bank and Trust Co. left but a single 
National bank in Meridian, and the opportunity 
seemed favorable for the conversion of the Citizens 
into a National bank, which was accordingly accom- 
plished, in June of the present year, with an 
increase of capital to $150,000. 

With the organization of the Citizens National, 
Mr. W, G. Simpson, of Albany, Kentucky, became 
a stock-holder and was elected cashier to succeed 
Mr. J. E. Reed, who had won promotion to 2nd 
Vice-President. Mr. Simpson comes to Meridian 
with a record as a man and a banker, that makes 
his new connection and association peculiarly fitting 
and congenial. Of conservative temper and high 
standards of business conduct, of pleasant address 
and courteous demeanor, he is thoroughly adapted 
to the new environment upon which he has entered 
and fits perfectly into the niche provided for him. 

This, in brief, is the story of big things from 
little, of the oak from the acorn, that coincides with 
and reflects, in its gradual unfolding, the story of 
Meridian during 16 years; and in its recital it is 
pleasant to note the demonstration, here, of the 
value of character in successful business achieve- 
ment. The Citizens National Bank is not the 
product of capital or the result of any adventitious 
circumstance, but it is an endearing example of the 
possibilities of achievement that wait on uncotn- 
promising honesty, singleness of purpose and un- 
remitting industry, linked with intelligence in the 
realm of banking, the qualities that have found 
expression in tlie character and career of its Presi- 
dent, Mr. W. A. Brown, and all of his associates. 
The Citizens National stands today an illumination 
of the ethical side of commercial life and an inspi- 
ration for every young man beginning a business 
career. 

The officers and directors of the Citizens Na- 
tional today are. Officers: W. A. Brown, Pres't, 
H. M. Street, Vice-Pres't, J. E. Reed, 2nd Vice- 
Pres't, W. G. Simpson, Cashier, Paul Brown, As- 
sistant Cashier. Directors: H. M. Street, J. E. 
Reed, C. C. Miller, W. G. Simpson, E. Cahn, E. S. 
Bostick and W. A. Brown. 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



RAILROADS. 

As already indicated, Meridian owes, in large 
measure her rapid and substantial growth and de- 
velopment to the junction here of important rail- 
way lines running- north and south, east and west. 
The city being a junction point for these extensive 
systems, through this fact, enjoys exceptional ad- 
vantages in freight rates, which are no inconsid- 
erable factor in the economy of manufacturing, as 
well as the constantly increasing jobbing trade that 
the enterprise of her merchants has developed. 
Realizing these advantages, that the railroads have 
brought, the public spirit of the city is alive to 
increase the equipment in this respect, and liberal 
encouragement is extended to. every new line sug- 
gested or projected. 

The accompanying outline map indicates the 
railroad lines existing and projected into Meridian. 



THE BOARD OF TRADE AND COTTON 
EXCHANGE. 

A most potent and active agency in promoting 
the upbuilding of the city, encouraging every for- 
ward movement, commercial, industrial and civic, 
uniting individual units of enterprise into a com- 
pact and efifective force for the common good, is the 
Board of Trade and Cotton Exchange, composed of 
the representative and influential elements in the 
civic economy-, that take cognizance of whatever 
pertains to the welfare of the community in every 
material and civil relation. Its membership em- 
braces the best exponents of the commercial, indus- 
trial and professional life of the city, while its offi- 
cers and committees are zealous and alert in the 
work assigned them of building always for a greater 
and better Meridian. 

A few years ago this body absorbed the Young 
Men's Business Leaeue and took over the functions 



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-A* U R. 



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•^"--^CtAi. 



urifJhiJt. 






RAILROADS COMPLETED AND PROJECTED, MERIDIAN, MISS. 



Several of these new lines are practically assured 
at a very early date, particularly the Memphis and 
Gulf and the connection with the Mobile, Jackson 
and Kansas City, both yielding a new line to the 
West and traversing a territory rich in trade for 
this city. 

A new Union passenger depot, which promises 
to be the handsomest and most commodious in the 
State, has been determined upon by the roads cen- 
tering here, the ground secured, plans and speci- 
fications drawn and the work preparatory to con- 
struction has already begun. It is expected that by 
January, l'X>5, the building will be completed and 
another architectural ornament be added to Me- 
ridian's equipment in this respect. Last year the 
M. &. O. and Southern Railroads jointly erected a 
handsome and commodious freight depot, a cut of 
which appears elsewhere. 



of that organization, thus extending the sphere of 
its endeavors beyond the purely commercial to 
include whatever pertained to the city's advance- 
ment along all lines of betterment and growth. 
The Board owns the building occupied by it and 
furnishes to its membership quotations from all the 
principal markets of the United States and Europe, 
its facilities in this respect equalling those of the 
larger cities. The officers and executive committee 
are elected annually; the present governing body 
being as follows : 

Officers. — O. L. McKay, President ;E. McMor- 
ries, Vice-President; F. C. McGhee, Treasurer; B. 
J. Carter, Secretary. 

Directors. — A. H. George, Sam Meyer, T. E. 
Rivers, H. L. McKee, K. Threefoot, J. V. Williams, 
Levi Rothenberg. 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



33 



The Union Bank and Trust Company. 



In the story of 
the commercial 
progress and de- 
velopment of every 
community, t n e 
birth of a new 
bank is epochal; 
it marks another 
period of growth 
accomplished, an- 
other expansion of 
the business cir- 
cumference, an- 
other equipment 
for larger under- 
takings ; and su when the Union Bank & 
Trust Company was organized in the summer of 
1903 by Meridian bankers and business men it was 
an announcement that the city had grown to the 
point where such an institution was needed in the 
business economy. 

The men who originated the enterprise were 
men of large experience and long identification with 
the business interests of the city; they were, there- 
fore, eminently qualified to pronounce upon the 
merits of the opportunity as well as to direct the 
launching of the enterprise. They realized that 
the trust feature would meet a constantly increasing 
demand for the safe keeping of funds for estates, 





iiMi't^i: " 







minors and other trusteeships, and determined to 
combine this function with the usual banking busi- 
ness. To accomplish this, successfully, not only 
financial responsibility of the first order was de- 
manded, but the character of the men entrusted 
with the direction of the bank's affairs must be up 
to the highest standard. They must be men who 
were known and trusted because they were known, 
GO the officering of the institution was no less im- 
portant than the subscriptions to the stock. 

A capital of $160,000 was readily subscribed, 
and a board oi directors chosen whose personel 
meant unqualified confidence. These in turn select 
as ofBcers those whose names are the synonym of 
integrity and business ability in this community. 
The officers and directors chosen were — Officers : 
Geo. W. Meyer, President, E. B. McRaven, Vice- 
President, O. L. McKay, Vice-President, A. C. 
Hunter, Cashier. Directors : G. W. Meyer, J. A. 
Gibson, SamGreenwald, A. H. Cooper, W. Meeds, 
H. G. Meyer, A. J. Lyon, Sam Meyer, O. L. McKay, 
A. H. George, J. F. Miazza, E. B. McRaven, J. R. 
Dowdle, E. L. Robins, A. C. Hunter. 

No sooner was the new institution organized 
than an opportunity off^ered to purchase the stock 
of the Meridian National Bank, one of the oldest 
and soundest financial institutions in the State; this 
purchase was consummated and the Union Bank 
& Trust Company took charge of the building and 
business of the Meridian National, commanding at 
once a generous line of deposits as weil as a liberal 
share of the general banking business of the city. 



THE BOYETTE SANITHRIUM. 

The Boyette Sanitarium, located on 
7th St. and 33rd Ave., is one of the 
permanent institutions of Meridian, 
having been established and success- 
fully operated for two years by its 
efficient superintendent, Mrs. Ruby 
Boyette. 

The need of a haven for the sick 
and care-worn, in a growing city like 
Meridian, was first met by Mrs. 
Boyette in the opening of this sani- 
tarium, where her executive abilitv 
and untiring energy have proven po- 
tential factors in obtaining such happ}- 
results. 

A Nurses' Training School is one of 
the important features of this institu- 
tion, the class receiving the benefit of 
a course of lectures by the leading 
physicians of the city who practice in 
the Sanitarium. 

Those who have been nursed back to life and hope within these walls render ample testimony to the 
value of such an institution in the community. 




34 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



COTTON. 

Located in the center of the upland cotton dis- 
trict, Meridian is essentially an important inland 
cotton market, about 100,000 bales being handled 
here annually. The transportation and compress 
facilities are equal to the best enjoyed by interior 
makets, while a number of the largest cotton buy- 
ers in the United States maintain agencies here 
during the season, paying liberal prices for the 
staple as compared with other markets. Local 
merchants are also liberal cotton buyers and the 
prices that are maintained through a lively com- 
petition make it more advantageous for the grower 
to sell his product in the home market than to ship 



and for this reason every business interest takes a 
genuine interest in whatever relates to the well 
being and prosperity of cotton growing. With a 
constantl3- growing volume of receipts, an expansion 
of the territory commercially tributary to the city 
and an incteased productiveness of cotton lands, the 
staple's contribution to the city's trade must be 
continually enlarged from year to year. 

The compress ana market facilities, the storage 
capacity of the warehouses located here, the reason- 
able insurance rates and the bank accommodations 
afforded, joined with the keen competition among 
buyers, make the city an increasingly belter mar- 
ket for the staple and cannot fail, ultimately, to 




SOUTHERN HOTEL. 



it to any port. Ttie Board of Trade and Cotton 
Exchange receives quotations from all domestic and 
foreign markets, thus yielding the same facilities 
to the trade that are enjoyed at the larger and more 
important centers. 

While every effort is being made to develop 
local manufactures and encourage the industrial 
movement in every possible way, it is recogniz.d 
that cotton must remain for man}- years a most im- 
portant element in the city's commercial economy, 



make Meridian the centre of the cotton trade for a 
much wider territory than now enjoyed. Moreover, 
cotton production is constantly increasing in this 
territory; farmers are using fertilizers more lib- 
erally than formerly, and the average product per 
acre, through more careful cultivation, is growing 
annually larger and larger. All things considered. 
it is reasonable to anticipate that Meridian's cotton 
receipts will be doubled within the nest decade. 




e- 
^ 



THE ONLY 

JEWELRY 

MANUFACTURERS IN THE STATE. 

We Satisfy the People 

When it Comes to Work. Bring us your Watch. 

MOORE <& GRAHAM, 

Meridian, Miss. 



Established 1843. 
D, ROSENBA UM began business at Old Marion sixty years ago. 

Moved to Meridian in 1865. 

D. ROSENBAUnS SONS, 

building upon that firm foundation, have erected a business of constantly 

increasing proportions. 



WHOLESALE AND RETAIL 



Dry Goods, Groceries and Clothing 



Corner Fourth St. and 2Sth Avenue, 



MERIDIAN, MISS. 



ELMIf^E'S f^EST/rURANT 

Opposite Union Depot, Meridian, Miss. 

Game, Fish and Oysters in season. Regular Meals 25 cents. 

Our Motto==" Quick and Clean Service at Moderate Prices." 

Furnished Rooms for Rent. We Solicit a Part of Your Patronage. 

FIRST=CLASS SODA FOUNTAIN, 

Confections and Cigars, 
Agent for Plow's, Lyon's, and Wiley's Candies, Manufacturer of Ice Cream. 

Write for prices. 

E. H. ERICKSON. 

MERIDIAN, MISS. 



'I 1 



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I 




DEALER IN 

IMPORTED AND DOMESTIC 



Periodicals, Daily Papers, Whiting's Stationery. Agent for Qunther's Candy. 

MERIDIAN, MISS. 



LAUDERDALE COUNTY. 



An Inviting Field for the Farmer of Moderate Means Where 

Comfort Combines with Profit to Make 

an Ideal Home. 



Lauderdale is one of the originial counties of 
the State; that is, it was not made up from portions 
of other counties. It was formed out of United 
States territory. In shape the county is square, 
with the exception of the southeastern corner, from 
which the Alabama State line nips a small piece of 
territory. 

In December, 1833, an act of the State Lejfisla- 
ture provided for the establishment of a county out 
of four townships from each of five rangfes. Messrs. 
Samuel (irayson. Asa Hart&field, Robert James, 
William Ellis, H. W. Ward, Henry Hale, George 
Evans, C. Dyer, N. Martin and J. Bidewell were 
appointed commissioners to lay out the county, 
which duty they performed in accordance with in- 
structions gfiven. The county thus established was 
named Lauderdale, in memory of Col. James Lau- 
derdale, who fell in battle at New Orleans. 

The territory out of which Lauderdale county 
was formed is a part of that acquired by the United 
States Government from the Choctaw Indians bv 
what is known as the treaty of Dancing Rabbit 
Creek. 

In Lauderdale county, of which Meridian is the 
capital, as in nearly all parts of East Mississippi, 
diversified farming largely prevails. While cotton 
continues to be the leading crop, the growth of the 
staple is every year more and more supplemented by 
other crops, both for market and domestic consump- 
tion. The farmers, as a rule, own the land that 
they cultivate; and wherever intelligence and thrift 
guide the conduct of the farm, comfort and abund- 
ance are found. Lands are reasonably cheap. 
Good farms can be bought from eight to ten dollars 
per acre, appreciating in value, however, in direct 
ratio with proximity to market and quality of soil 
and improvements thereon. Well improved places, 
within easy reach of Meridian, can be bought for 
fifteen dollars per acre. These low prices are due 
to the fact that a considerable area of government 
land subject to entry yet remains, unentered, 
throughout this section. 



The soil is of a sandy loam, underlaid with a 
clay sub-so'l, and with reasonable fertilization pro- 
duces good crops; a bale of cotton or fifty bushels 
of corn per acre being readily obtained where intel- 
ligent cultivation prevails. Commercial fertilizers 
are largely employed; but many farmers keep their 
lands fertile and productive by planting field peas, 
two crops of which may be grown in a single year. 

The diversity of products, the equable climate, 
the equal and favorable seasons, the distribution of 
rainfall, eliminating alike the dangers of flood and 
drouth, ana freedom from the ravages of insects 
that prey upon the crops of other sections, all com- 
bine to make this a favored region for the rercuner- 
ative employment of the energies of the farmer of 
small means or large. 

TRUCK FARMING. 

Aside from cotton, everywhere the principal 
crop in the South, conditions prevailing here are 
peculiarly favorable to the growth of truck, fruit 
and vegetables. Irish potatoes are profitably grown 
and two crops can be easily produced per year; or a 
crop of Irish potatoes may be followed b3- sweet 
potatoes on the same land. English peas, beans, 
tomatoes, cabbages, turnips, s-weet corn, etc., find a 
ready market at good prices in both Spring and 
Autumn, and many industrious farmers derive from 
these side crops a sufficient revenue to defray a 
large part cf farm expenses, while, on the other 
hand, where attention is given to them, primarily, 
as the chief products of the farm, a liberal income 
is always assured. Sweet potatoes produce from 
100 to 250 bushels per acre and average 75 cents per 
bushel in the home market; prices for other products 
are equally renumerative. 

The cultivation of sugar cane and its manufac- 
ture intosj-rup is a feature of farming in this county 
and section that is exceptionally remunerative and 
capable of infinite development. From 500 to 800 
gallons per acre is the usual yield, which readily 
sells in the home market at from 40 to 60 cents per 



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Central Art Studio 



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ESTABLISHED 1865 <S> 

The Oldest Photographic Gallery and Art Studio in East Mississippi. High= 
Class Work confirms our Title to the Confidence and Patronage of 
a Discriminating Public. Mr. B. C. Thames, associated 
with Mr. W. C. Brookshire for a number of 
years, and one of the most 

EXPERT RHOTOGRARHERS 

in the country has succeeded Mr. Brookshire as Proprietor and Manager. 

Cor. 22d Ave. and 4th St., = MERIDIAN. MISS. 



J. VV. SWITZER, Manager. 
Agents For 



Wm. SWITZER. Ass't Manager. 



iiJEWELi 






J. W. Switzer & Son 

DEALERS IN 

Hardware, Stoves, Crockery, 

Tinware, & Housefurnishing 

Goods 

MANUFACTURERS OF 



Tin, Copper and Sheet Iron Ware, Tin, Iron, Slate, Paper and Gravel Roof- 
ing, Guttering, Cornice and Blow Pipe Work a Specialty. 

special Attention to all Kinds of Repairing. Evaporators Made and Repaired. 

Nos. 2216 & 2218 Front 5t., = - MERIDIAN, MISS. 



GREETING: 

I wish to thank my friends for past favors 

and to assure them that my Studio is still the 

place for High Grade Work. We furnish all the 

LATEST in Photography and invite inspection. 

Very truly yours, 

J. R. RHELRS. 



NEXT DOOR TO GRAND OPERA HOUSE. 



2210 AND 2212 Sth Street, 

MERIDIAN, MISS. 




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38 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



gallon. Ten acres of land given to the growth of 
sugar cane in the vicinity of Meridian would render 
any farmer independent 

Peaches, apples, pears and plums are largely 
grown, are rarely damaged by late cold, yield 
abundantly, and where attention is given to pro- 
ducing the better varieties good profits are realized. 
The Elberta peach thrives wonderfully here: while 
the Keiffer and Le Compte pear is grown in large 
quantities and sold locally at good prices. The 
summer apple commands a ready market at good 
price«, as do also the several varieties of plums that 
are grown. Strawberries are also profitably grown, 
and the local market aifords a considerable latitude 
for the expansion of this branch of horticulture. 

STOCK RAISING. 

The raising of hogs and cattle, for home con- 
sumption and the market, is annually receiving 
more attention, as the advantages of making cotton 



winter months to a minimum. It is a fact that 
many farmers do not feed milch cows at any season 
of the year, where the wild cane abounds, the pas- 
turage keeping this class of stock in good condition. 
As related to stock-raising, the dairying business 
has proved profitable wherever attention has been 
given to it, and there is scarcely a farmer within 
five miles of Meridian that does not sell more or 
less butter in the city. 

It may be said without fear of contradiction, 
that few localities anywhere, today, offer a more 
inviting field for truck farming than may be found 
in the vicinity of Meridian, where the home market 
is never adequately supplied and where good prices 
for all kinds of farm and horticultural products 
always prevail. 

HEALTH. 

Situated, as before said, in the midst of the 
long leaf yellow pine region of the South, enjoying 




COUNTY COURT HOUSE, 



the surplus cash crop are realized. Many farmers 
in Lauderdale county make all the bacon, hams and 
lard required for the farm use and are able to sell a 
considerable surplus. There is always here an 
active demand for these homemade hog products, 
they being generally esteemed better than the 
Western product. Local butchers buy largely of 
the beef cattle raised, and always pay good prices 
for the stock in the pasture, removing the necessity 
for the farmers seeking a market in town. 

Throughout the county a splendid natural pas- 
turage is found in the woods, for hogs and cattle, 
all tbe year round. The mast is abundant, and the 
wild cane, growing in the lowlands, along the nu- 
merous creeks and branches that water all of this 
section affords the best of v. inter pasturage for cat- 
tle, reducing the cost of their keeping during the 



an abundant supply of pure spring water, the nat- 
ural conditions assure a salubrity of climate and 
freedom from sickness enjoyed by few localities 
anywhere in the United States; malaria is practi- 
cally unknown and the aroma arising from the pine 
forests, joined with the elevation above sea level, 
not only preclude any disposition towards pulmo- 
nary diseases, but are distinctly helpful where any 
tendency in this direction exists. Lauderdale coun- 
ty is an ideal place of residence for any one troubled 
with weak lungs, the balmy atmosphere proceeding 
from the forests yielding constantly a healing 
balsam. 



Insure in the Merchants Union Insurance Com- 
pany and keep money at home. Represented by all 
agents lU Meridian. 



cr 



^ 



REAL ESTATE TALK. 



Messrs. Carter & Broach 

Real Estate Brokers. 
Gentlemen 



Real Estate Brokers. 
Gentlemen : 

I shall be glad to rent the cottage you offer me, 
as the terms are reasonable and the situation is attractive; 
but, before closing the trade, I must know if the house is 
supplied with GAS. is there gas light in all the rooms, 
and can you arrange with the Meridian Gas Co. to install my 
Gas Range and Instantaneous Heater? If so, you may con- 
sider the trade closed. 

Yours truly, 

GEORGE VANDERBILT. 

Threefoot Bros. & Co., 



^ — • 



WHOLESALE GROCERS 



» — ^« 



AND DEALERS IN 

All Kinds of Vehicles. Manufacturers of Harness 

and Saddlery. 

22nd and 23rd Aves., = = MERIDIAN, MISS. 




OFFICERS: 



G. \V. MEYER, President 
W. A. MARTIN, Cashier 



a. W. MEYER 
A. Q. WEEMS 
A. S. BOZEMAN 
W. A. MARTIN 



F. W. WILLIAMS, Vice-President 
A. S. BOZEMAN. Attorney 



DIRECTORS. 



E. B. McRAVEN. 



S. A. KLEIN 
C. PHILIPS 
J. TOM LYLE 
F. \\. WILLIAMS 



Steps to Wealth 



are the few=inch elevations to the entrance of a 
Savings Bank such as this. Save and step up== 
step up to and into our doors; then step up in life, in comfort, in security 
and content. Our careful management of investments and the interest we 
pay tell the true story of how steps th's way are steps to competence, even 
wealth. 



ja 



40 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



SOCIAL. 

Churches, schools and postofiBces are inter- 
spersed at short intervals throughout the county; 
every farmer is within easy reach of these adjuncts 
of modern civilization and the fruits of these whole- 
some influences are broadly realized in the high 
standards of morals and intelligence that prevail. 
The dominating sentiment stands for law, order, 
industry and thrift. No lynching has occurred in 



school house is placed within the reach of every 
child in the county; and public opinion compels 
every parent to give his children the advantage of 
this beneficent provision. Illiteracy is practically 
unknown, while the educational standard is being 
constantly raised to correspond with a progressive 
intellectual requirement. 

Taken altogether, it is easily demonstrable that 
few localities, anywhere South or West, are better 




O. L. McKAY'S RESIDENCE. 



the county within the memorj- of anyone living 
here, while the turbulence of the White Cap and 
similar agencies of disorder is utterly unknown. 
The temper of the people is distinctly conservative 
and all of their energies are being devoted to the 
nourishment and maintenance of the best standards 
of living along the lines of a wholesome progress 
and development. 

The public school term is six months, and a 



prepared to meet the careful scrutiny and exhaust- 
ive investigation of the conservative home-seeker 
than in this. Here are found productive soils, 
salubrity of climate, good home markets, abundant 
educational facilities, high moral standards and the 
perfect reign of law and order; nowhere are the 
rewards of industry more certain; nor can capital 
find elsewhere a greater security combined with 
more liberal returns. 




r 




fgEYER^TreyiLTE HARDWARE. COMEANY 




42 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



A 




HON. A. M. BYRD, 
Member of Congress from the Fifth District, Mississippi. 



HON. A. M. BYRD. 

Hon. AdamM.Byrd, Represen- 
tative in Congress from the Fifth 
Mississippi district, is a typical 
exponent and product of the in- 
fluences, civil, social and mate- 
rial, that have dominated the post 
belluni South and evolved a class 
of strong-, self-reliant, brave and 
capable men who are conspicu- 
ously engaged in the polincal and 
economic restoration of their sec- 
tion. Belonging to the soil, in- 
tensely patriotic, their idealsnour- 
ished by the traditions of the old 
South and their purposes ani- 
mated by a resolution and cour- 
age that no dificulty can dimin- 
ish or obstacle turn aside, these 
young men have entered the arena 
of every present day activity in 
business, in the jirofessions, in 
letters and statesmanship, not to 



supplant the old, but to justify, 
supplement and strengthen it. 

Mr. Byrd was born in Sumter 
county, Ala.. July G, 1859. When 
he was but eight years old, his 
mother removed to Neshoba coun- 
ty. Miss., his present home, his 
father having been killed in the 
war. His early years were spent 
upon the farm, as were those of 
most Mississippians who have at- 
tained any eminence; he attended 
the public schools while a boy 
and later entered Cooper's Insti- 
tute at Da'eville, an e.xcellent col- 
lege, at that time widely esteemed 
and patronized by those seeking 
a more advanced education for 
their sons and daughters. Com- 
pleting the literary course here. 
Mr. Byrd entered the Columbian 
University at Lebannon, Tennes- 
see, and was si^raduated in law 
from this well known institution 
in 1884. 



Returning to his home, he be- 
gan the practice of his profession, 
serving as Superintendent of Edu- 
cation of his county until 1889, 
when he was elected to the State 
Senate, where he, at once, took 
and maintained a foremost place. 
In 1895 he was returned to the 
lower house of the legislature, 
but after one year's service there 
he resigned to accept the office of 
prosecuting attorney of the 10th 
judicial district, by appointment 
of Governor A. J. McLaurin. His 
learning and ability as a lawyer, 
in the meantime, were obtaining 
a constantly wider recognition, 
and in 1897 he received the ap- 
pointment of Judge of the Sixth 
Chancery district; at the expira- 
tion of his term in 1901, so emi- 
nently fair and satisfactory had 
been his administration of this 
important office, that upon the 
unanimous endorsement of the 
bar of his district, Judge Byrd 
was reappointed by Gov. Longino. 

During these years in the pub- 
lic service his commanding abili- 
ties and wide personal popularity 
made him always a conspicuous 
figure in the political field, and 
when the new apportionment and 
redistricting of the State removed 
Hon. John Sharp Williams from 
the fifth to the eighth district, 
Judge Byrd was, by common con- 
sent, regarded as his logical suc- 
cessor, and so was chosen, with- 
out opposition, to the 5Sth Con 
gress, where, during the first ses- 
sion, he has, in this broader arena, 
not only sustained his previous 
record and reputation, but sur- 
passed the expectations of his 
most partial friends in winning 
new laurels as a statesman and 
eloquent advocate of his party's 
cause and the interests of his con- 
stituency. 

He will be a candidate for re- 
election the present year and will 
doubtless again be chosen, with- 
out opposition, as his own suc- 
cessor. 

Judge Byrd is a young man in 
the prime of physical and intel- 
lectual vigor; he has already 
taken his place in the ranks of 
the foremost of Mississippi's pub- 
licists, and his onward progress 
to still greater honor, influence 
and usefulne-s will be watched 
with pleasure and interest by the 
people of this city and county 
amongst whom he counts so many 
loyal friends and admirers. 



pr ^ 

QUEEN & CRESCENT 

ROUTE 



BEST LINE TO 



NEW ORLEANS, VICKSBURG and SHREVEPORT 



=AND ALL POINTS IN= 



TEXAS, MEXICO, ARIZONA, INDIAN TERRITORY, CALIFORNIA 

EITHER VIA SHREVEPORT OR NEW ORLEANS 

THROUGH SLEEPING CARS TO NEW ORLEANS AND SHREVEPORT 



DINING CARS 

Direct connection made at New Orleans and Shreveport with con= 
necting lines. 

Summer tourists' tickets on sale beginning June 1st and continuing 
until September 30th. 

For detail information apply to any ticket agent of the Queen and 
Crescent Route 



zOR T0= 



JNO .W. WOOD, Trav. Pass. Agent, 

MERIDIAN, MISS. 



GEO. H. SMITH, 

Gen. Pass. Agent, 

NEW ORLEANS, LA. 



R. J. ANDERSON, 

Ass't Qen. Pass. Ag't, 

NEW ORLEANS, LA. 



O. 



44 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 




r 



/ 



HON. Q. Q. HALL, 
Circuit Judge Tenth Judicial District. 



JUDGE Q. Q. HALL. 

One of the foremost citizens of 
Meridian and East Mississippi is 
Judge G. Q. Hall, the present 
Circuit Judge of the tenth dis- 
trict. Judge Hall was elevated 
to the bench in August, 1900, by 
appointment of Gov. A. H. Lon- 
gino, without application or so- 
licitation. His career upon the 
bench has been eminently suc- 
cessful, judging by the almost 
universal commendation of the 
people of his district. Prior to 
his appointment to the bench, he 
was one of the leading lawyers 
of this section of the State and 
enjoyed a large and remunerative 
practice, being counsel for some 
of the largest corporate and indi- 
vidual interests. 



Judge Hall came to Meridian 
in 1884, at the invitation of the 
late Capt. Joel P. "Walker, a prom- 
inent practitioner, and at that 
time president pro tem of the 
State Senate, with whom he 
formed a partnership which lasted 
until about 1898, when Jude Hall 
withdrew in order to make a 
place with him for his son, W. 
M. Hall, who was then preparing 
to come to the bar. Judge Hall 
was, for some years, a trustee of 
the city public schools, and vice- 
president of the Meridian Nation- 
al Bank, a strong institution, in 
which were interested many East- 
ern capitalists. 

Judge Hall is also owner of the 
well known health and pleasure 
resort, Arundel Lithia Springs, 
located near Meridian. 



MRS. E. H. HART. 

A more than casual observer 
would, upon meeting Mrs. E. H. 
Hart, be surprised to learn that 
for twelve years she had b;en 
identified with the musical his- 
tory of Meridian, so youthful, 
almost girlish in appearance, is 
she. 

Her ardent devotion to this 
beautiful art, as well as her skill 
and versatility as an artist, is 
warmly recognized by the public, 
that is debtor in musical culture 
because of her lesidence here. 

Mrs. Hart's skill in execution 
is deliberately made subservient 
to the higher gift of imparting 
her knowledge and developing 
the latent musical talent of oth- 
ers. Fortunately, in youth, her 
natural aptitude for music met 
with proper encouragement, and 
later the way opened for the 
prosecution of her studies at the 
Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, 
from which she received a teach- 
er's certificate. In addition to 
the advantages offered by this in- 
stitution Mrs. Hart studied piano 
under Sherwood and violin under 
Marcosson. 

One of her strong points as an 
instructor is versatility; her role 
covering voice, piano, organ, 
violin and other stringed instru- 
ments. Her pen has even been 
touched with the harmonies in a 
booklet or storiette, of which music 
is the subject and was also the in- 
spiration. She is organist at the 
First Presbyterian church, and 
for three years has been asso- 
ciated with the Moffat-McLaurin 
Institute, where her large class is 
proof sufficient of her popularity. 

Mrs. Hart's standard of excel- 
lence is so high that despite the 
physical and mental weariness, 
incident to a term of teaching, 
she is still to be found, during 
the summer vacation at the Cin- 
cinnati Conservatory of Music, 
adding to her already full store of 
knowledge and acquiring a more 
exquisite taste and a greater skill 
in execution. 

That a much larger measure of 
success than that already realized 
awaits Mrs. Hart her friends and 
admirers confidently expect. 



^^^^^^^^^^^^^A^V^^^^^^»^^^^^ ^ ^^^^^^^ ^ ^^^WV^^ ^ ^^^^»^^^^WWWWVWWW 



^ 






Barred 
Plymouth Rocks, 
Black Minorcas, 



AND 




Belgian Hares, 
MERIDIAN, MISS. 




The Southern Oil and Fertilizer Co., 



CflPITAL STOCK $75,000.00 



(incorporated 1903) 



MERIDlflN, MISSISSIPPI 



Manufacturers of 

Cotton Seed Oil 
Cotton Seed Meal 

Cotton Linters 
Cotton Seed Hulls 



GOMIVIERGIAL FERTILIZERS 



Our Brands 



(SOUTHERN'S SUPERIOR GUANO 

'SOUTHERN'S STANDARD COTTON 

j SOUTHERN'S 20th CENTURY HIGH GRADE ACID PHOSPHATE 

(SOUTHERN'S STANDARD GRADE ACID PHOSPHATE 



GROWER 



WE PAY HIGHEST CASH PRICES FOR SOUND COTTON SEED 

WE MAKE A SPECIALTY OF FURNISHING HULLS AND COTTON SEED MEAL 

FOR CATTLE FEEDING PURPOSES 

CORRESPONDENCE INVITED 




GEORGE W. WHEELER 



AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST 



Publisher of Wheeler's Library. Author 
of "Star Fernton's Victory," price 15c; 
"The Mechanic's Daughter," price 5c; 
"The Members of Little Bethel," price 5c. 
Newspaper articles, ads., sketches writteti 
in aay style desired. Prices right. News- 
paper work a specialty. Your orders sol- 
icited :::::::::::::: 



P. O. BOX 12 



MERIDIAN, MISS. 



>^ » ^^^^^v^^^»vw^^^^^»lV»^^^^^^v^^/^^^/»^^^^/v>^^^^ v ^^^^^^^^^^v^^^^ w v^^^/vww^/ws»w^^ 



46 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 




HON. R. F. COCHRAN, 
Appointed Circuit Judge to Succeed Hon. Q. Q. Hall. 



JUDGE R. F. COCHRAN. 

Hon. R. F. Cochran, appointed 
by Gov. Vardaman to succeed 
Judge G. y. Hall, as Circuit Judge 
of the Tenth Judicial district, 
upon the expiration of the term 
of the latter, in August next, has 
long been one of the leading mem- 
bers of the Meridian bar and one 
of the city's prominent and useful 
citizens. 

Judge Cochran was born in 
Lauderdale county, near Dale- 
ville, the son of Mr. J. H. Coch- 
ran, a large ante-bellum cotton 
planter, and first sheriff of the 



county; he was reared on his fath- 
er's plantation, attending the 
schools of the neiirhborhood until 
advanced to the college age when 
he entered Cooper's Institute at 
Daleville where he was graduated. 
Soon after leaving college he 
married and began life as a far- 
mer; but his active mind and na- 
tive inclinations led him to seek 
the arena of intellectual activity 
that the profession of the law 
afforded, and so, after marriage, 
he went to the University of Mis- 
sissippi where he was graduated 
in the law department, the val- 



eaictorian of the class of 1884-85. 
He opened, at once, an office in Me- 
ridian and began the practice of 
his profession in competition with 
one of the strongest bars in Mis- 
sissippi. His native talents, sup- 
plemented by diligence and faith- 
fulness to the interests of clients, 
soon won for him a conspicuous 
place in the profession, bringing- 
a large and lucrative practice. 

Mr. Cochran has filled the offices 
of city and county attorney, and 
in the former capacity framed 
and secured the passage, by the 
legislature, of the acts author- 
izing the issuance by the city of 
the sewerage, street and sidewalk 
bonds. Always taking an active 
interest in politics, although, him- 
self, never a candidate for any 
office, in 1896 he was chosen a 
delegate to the National Demo- 
cratic convention that nominated 
Bryan. During the last cam- 
paign, in this State, he was the 
recognized local leader of the 
Money and Vardeman forces, and 
the success of these candidates in 
Lauderdale county is due to his 
zealous and intelligent work in 
their behalf. 

Judge Cochran has been twice 
married, and his present home in 
Menaian, enriched by the be- 
nign presence of a gentle, gra- 
cious and cultivated wife and 
mother, surrounded by three lit- 
tle children, is as charming in its 
inward beauty as it is attractive 
in its outward aspects. Judge 
Cochran will enter upon the re- 
sponsible duties of his judicial 
office, with the abundant good 
will and confidence of his breth- 
ren of the bar, and with a stead- 
fast determination to supplement 
his successful career as a law^-er, 
with a record for righteousness 
upon the bench, that will justify 
the estimate of his qualifications 
that induced Governor Vardaman 
to choose him for so great an 
honor and trust. 



1. 



A 



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T. J. BOSTICK E. S. BOSTICK W. L. BOSTICK 

T. J. BOSTICK & SONS 



Manufacturers of 

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equal to any demand. We carry in stock a full line of Tiles, 
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Building Paper, Fire Brick. Full line of Harrison's Paints, Oils, 
Varnishes and Colors. Estimates Furnished Upon Application 

(Ue Solicit Vour Tnquiries and guarantee Prompt and 
Courteous Attention 



P. O. BOX 583 TELEPHONE No. 317 

MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI 



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« 






48 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 




HON. J. H. CURRIE, 
District Attorney Tenth Judicial District. 



HON. J. H. CURRIE. 

Hon. J. H. Currie, the learned 
lawj-er and able prosecuting at- 
tornej- of the 10th iudicial dis- 
trict, is deservedly one of the 
most popular men in East Missis- 
sippi and has a right to contem- 
plate a future of increasing hon- 
ors and achievement. 

Born in Kemper county in 1856, 
he received his rudimentary edu- 
cation in the old time country 
schools, which atoned for any 
limitations ol curriculum in a 
thoroughness that made a firm 
foundation for whatever educa- 
tional embellishment might be 
superadded in later years; and 
Mr. Currie's intellectual qualities 



today bear striking testimony to 
the excellence of that substantial 
ground-work. He, later, had the 
advantage of instruction from the 
celebrated M. C. Day, one of the 
distinguished scholars and edu- 
cators of his time; then went to 
Cooper's Institute, near Daleville, 
this county, where he was grad- 
uated in June, 1878. 

Mr. Currie's first entrance into 
the arena of politics was in 1880, 
when, after one of the most hotly 
contested campaigns that his 
county had ever known, he was 
elected to the legislature. In the 
meantime he engaged in teaching 
and occupied his leisure in read- 
ing law; was admitted to the bar 
in 1884, and won, almost at once, 



a conspicuous place as a criminal 
lawyer. While practicing his 
profession he was chosen super- 
intendent of public education of 
his county, the duties of which 
of&ce he discharged for four years 
with distinguished zeal and abil- 
ity. His resourcefulness, his dil- 
igence and splendid oratorical 
powers bringing him a constantly 
increasing clientage, he was soon 
compelled to devote his entire 
time to his profession, and for 
the next dozen years no criminal 
case of importance was tried in 
Kemper county that he was not 
engaged in. He was one of the 
attorneys for the defense in the 
celebrated Lipscomb case, that 
attracted attention all over the 
country; and his conduct of this 
complicated cause, through sev- 
eral years, won for him a still 
wider reputation; opposed, as he 
was, by the best legal talent that 
rich and powerful insurance com- 
panies could command for the 
prosecution. 

In July, 1849, Mr. Currie an- 
nounced his candidacy for Dis- 
trict Attorney of the 10th iudi- 
cial district, being opposed by 
the then capable incumbent and 
another able and popular lawyer 
of Meridian. The campaign that 
ensued was a memorable one, en- 
listing the interest of every voter 
in the five counties that make 
the district. He was elected and 
entered upon the duties of his 
office January following, which 
he discharged so well and faith- 
fully that he was re-elected to 
succeed himself at the expiration 
of his term in 1903. Since his last 
election, Mr. Currie has moved 
his residence from Kemper coun- 
ty to Meridian, where he and his 
family are general social favor- 
ites. 

With a good knowledge of the 
law, a broad culture, a wide read- 
ing of the best literature, supple- 
mented by native talents of ex- 
ceptional strength, backed by 
energy and courage, Mr. Currie is, 
through natural g.fts and train- 
ing, most admirably equipped for 
that branch of the law in which 
he has made so pronounced a suc- 
cess, and is recognized as one of 
the foremost criminal lawyers of 
the Mississippi bar. As a man 
and a citizen, he is genial in his 
social relations, faithful to his 
obligations and a good citizen, 
enioj'ing the respect and esteem 
of those who know him as neigh- 
bor and friend. 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



49 




HON. W. D. CAMERON, 
Circuit Clerk Lauderdale County. 



GEN. W. D. CAMERON. 

Gen. William D. Cameron, the 
best known man in this section, 
and one of the foremost men of 
Mississippi, was born on a farm 
near Alamucha, this county, in 
1846. He attended the neighbor- 
hood schools until the begfinning' 
of the war between the States, 
when, although but a boy in 
years, he put on the uniform of a 
Confederate soldier and remained 
upon the firing line until the end 
of hostilities in 1865. Returning 
home after the surrender, he en- 
gaged in farming until 1871, 
when he came to Meridian to act 
as deputy chancery clerk. He 
was elected circuit clerk in 1875, 
and has been re-elected for eight 
consecutive terms, an honor sig- 
nificant of the esteem in which 



he is held by those amongst whom 
he was born and has always lived. 
This honor, however, has been 
earned by a devoted and patriotic 
service of his people, by loyalty 
to friends, steadfastness in duty 
doing, and a broad human sym- 
pathy that knows no metes nor 
bounds. 

During the midnight of Recon- 
struction he was in the front rank 
of those who struggled against 
fearful odds to rescue their land, 
their civilization and social order 
from the withering grasp of the 
venal carpetbagger and ignorant 
negro, who, when this task was 
completed, turned to help in the 
restoration of civil order and ma- 
terial prosperity, and day by day, 
through these years, has done his 
duty well and manfully in public 



life and private relation. Honors 
have come to Gen. Cameron in 
every field that he has entered; 
his strength of character and per- 
sonal magnetism have drawn men 
to him in every relation of life. 
Twice he has been chosen by his 
comrades of the sixties Major 
General, commanding the Missis- 
sippi division U. C. V. He is a 
Colonel of the Uniform rank 
Knights of Pythias, a Past Chan- 
cellor of the same order, and 
twice chosen Supreme Represen- 
tative. He is also a conspicuous 
member of other orders, being a 
Knight Templar and Shriner, an 
Odd-Fellow, Woodman of the 
World, a member of the A. O. U. 
W., Red Men, Columbian Wood- 
men and B. P. O. E., having 
filled in each of these orders posts 
of the first honor and trust. 

Always a loyal and steadfast 
Democrat, Gen. Cameron was 
chosen a delegate at large to the 
National Convention of his party 
at Kansas City in 1900, and again 
is a delegate to the convention of 
1904. He has always exercised 
a considerable influence in State 
politics, his counsels largely in- 
fluencing the attitude of his party 
at critical periods in its history. 

Mr. Cameron was first married 
to Miss Maggie Mays, of Holmes 
county, who died in 1896, sur- 
vived by three children, Charles, 
Elleine and Willie. He subse- 
quently married Miss Rosa Lip- 
say, of the same county, who, 
today illumines his home life with 
every grace and charm that be- 
longs to good and tender woman- 
hood. By faith, a "blue stock- 
ing" Presbyterian, he is Presi- 
dent of the Board of Deacons of 
his church and exercises a whole- 
some influence in his church rela- 
tionship. 

Of General Cameron it may be 
said that his career typifies the 
best in our Southern public life 
and politics. He has stood erect 
and never cringed or fawned for 
favor; he has always had convic- 
tions and the courage to contend 



50 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



for them; he has been in the front 
of the battle and never made a 
compromise of principle to secure 
a vote; he knows nothingf of po 
litical duplicity or the sharp prac- 
tices of the professional politi- 
cian. In private life he is clean, 
upright, gentle and brave. He 
is the most generous of men, a 
good citizen and a Christian gen- 
tleman. He is a type of the men 
who have restored the old South 
to her former prestige, wealth and 
beauty; and the South will con- 
tinue to honor this kind. 



HON. C. C. DUNN. 



Hon. C. C. Dunn, Senator from 
Lauderdale county, illustrates in 
his career and personality the op- 
portunities and possibilities that 
Mississippi yields for the young 
man who really wants to accom- 
plish something. 

Mr. Dunn was born in Amite 
county in 1871. His early years 
were spent upon the farm and he 
enjoyed only such educational 
opportunities as the county schools 
afforded; as a young man, pur- 
suing the vocation of a farmer, he 
utilized such leisure as he found 
in reading law; he came to Me- 
ridian in 1890, and in 1892 was 
admitted to the bar, where his 
diligence, application, skill and 
learning soon won a recognition 
that is not readily acquired by 
young men launched in the midst 
of such competition as the bar of 
Meridian yields. In 1898 he 
formed a copartnership with Mr. 
A. B. Amis, and the firm now 
ranks with the well known law 
firms of the district. 

In 1899 Mr. Dunn became a 
candidate for the State Senate 
against the then incumbent, Capt. 
W. H. Hardy, one of the ablest 
debaters and stump speakers in 
Mississippi. That campaign is a 
memorable one in Lauderdale 
county, with the State senator- 
ship the central and conspicuous 
figure in the con test; people flocked 
to the hustings where the aspi- 




HON. C. C. DUNN. 
Senator From Lauderdale County. 

rants met in joint debate, where 
the stripling and the veteran con- 
tended for honors, and when the 
victory came to the younger man 
he accepted it with a modesty 
that won the unstinted praise of 
those who had lately so vigorously 
opposed him. His four year's ser- 
vice in the Senate so justified the 
expectations of his friends and 
disappointed his opponents, that 
when the time came, a year ago, 
for another election, no one cared 
to oppose him and he was re- 
elected unanimously. Mr. Dunn 
is only 33 years old, and has al- 
ready made a record and a repu- 
tation that men rarely achieve 
before middle life, and the prom- 
ise of his youth bids fair to de- 
velop into a fruition .that will 
demonstrate, again, the value of 
the farm schooling and training 
in the equipment of the strong 
and useful men of our State. 



CAPT. S. B. WATTS. 



Conspicuous among the men 
who have won an enviable place 
in the confidence and regard of 
those amongst whom their lives 
have been passed, stands Hon. S. 
B. Watts, Representative of Me- 



ridian in the State Legislature, 
and every honor that has come to 
him has been worthily won in a 
service singularly free from self- 
seeking, but guided always by a 
high sense of honor and duty 
doing in the broader avenues of 
living. 

Capt. \Vatts was born at Gar- 
landsville, Jasper county, Missis- 
sippi, 1843, the son of Sam'l B. 
Watts and Mary A. Mayers. His 
early boyhood years were spent 
in Smith county and later at 
Brandon, where the beginning of 
the war between the States found 
him in 1861; he promptly enlisted 
in the first company that was 
formed in his home county and 
followed the stars and bars 
through all of the battles of 
the army of Tennessee, from 
Shiloh to Franklin, rising, 
through regular promotions, from 
the post of private to the rank of 
Captain at the age of 21. He 
was taken prisoner on the breast- 
works at Franklin, Tenn., sur- 
rendering his sword to Capt. S. 




HON. S. B. WATTS, 
Representative City of Meridian. 

M. Knapp of the 104th Ohio reg- 
iment, whose daughter, then liv- 
ing near Canton, Ohio, returned 
it in 1886. 

Returning home after the sur- 
render Capt. Watts read law with 
his uncle, the late Judge John 



MERIDIAN IIJ.USTRATED. 



51 



Watts, and began the practice of 
his profession at Meridian in 1867, 
a member of the firm of Steele, 
Watts and Watts. He was mar- 
ried in 1868 to Miss Kate Mcl^au- 
nn, of Rankin county, whose 
father was Judge John McLaurin, 
formerly of Covington count)-, 
Miss. In 1867 he was appointed 
a Commissioner of the United 
States Court by Judge Hill, and 
subsequently reappointed by 
Judge Niles, which office he 
holds at present. He was, for 
several years, deputy clerk of the 
United States Court, having 
charge of the office at Meridian. 
In 1877 he was elected a council- 
man of the city and was chosen 
to the State Senate in 18'>1, win- 
ning a foremost place in that 
body of able men. In 1903 Cap- 
tain Watts was chosen to repre- 
sent the city of Meridian in the 
lower house of the legislature, 
the first term of service being at 
the beginning of this year. 

An Odd Fellow, and member of 
the Woodmen of the World, Amer- 
ican Guild, Ancient Essenic Or- 
der, Knights of Honor and 
Knights and Ladies of Honor, he 
has taken a prominent place in 
fraternal work, being a member 
for a number of years of the Su- 
preme Lodges of the K. of H. and 
the K. & L. of H., chairman of 
the Law Committee of the former 
and the Appeals and Grievance 
Committee of the latter. A con- 
sistent Methodist, he has been a 
member of four general confer- 
ences of that church. 

Capt. Watt's life has been a 
busy and useful one, and that it 
has been a successful one, in the 
best sense, is attested by the re- 
spect and esteem in which he is 
held by the people amongst whom 
he has lived for nearly forty years. 



HON. W. R. DENTON. 




There are few members in eith- 
er house of the Mississippi legis- 
lature that can boast of a longer 
consecutive service of the same 



H0^. W. K. DENTON, 
Representative County at Large. 

constituency than W. R. Denton 
of Lauderdale; and none can show 
a fairer record for intelligent, un- 
selfish and conscientious devotion 
to the interests of his State and 
the people whom he has repre- 
sented, sinc2 18')0, in the lower 
house. 

Hon. W. R. Denton is a native 
of Lauderdale county. Born on 
his father's farm, near Daleville, 
in 1847, his early years were spent 
in that nursery of strong and 
virile manhood which has yielded 
for Mississippi's service so many 
useful sons and citizens; the farm 
was :he source of his physical and 
intellectual nurture during his 
early years, supplemented by such 
instruction as the country schools 
of the period yielded. Deter- 
mined, however, to take advan- 
tage of every opportunity for 
mental improvement that was 
afforded, Mr. Denton, after ma- 
turity, attended Cooper's Institute 
and profited by the instruction of 
that most excellent school. 

Pursuing the vocation of a 
farmer, Mr. Denton was elected 
constable of his beat in 1882, and 
four years later was chosen mag- 
istrate, which office he filled until 
elected to the legislature, in 1890, 
as representative from the county 
at-large, which place he has filled 
with honor to himself and advan- 



tage to his people ever since; 
being re-elected at each quadren- 
nial election since then; the last 
time without opposition. As a 
legislator he belongs to the con- 
servative element in our politics, 
and is always found upon the 
right side of every question cal- 
culated to advance the prosperity 
and well being of his State; he 
takes no part in petty factional 
fights, but reserves all of his 
strength and influence for the 
larger employments of the law- 
maker, and this characteristic is 
one that has assured his long con- 
tinuance in the field of usefulness 
that he occupies. 

Mr. Denton is a Mason and 
Woodman of the World, in both 
of which orders he occupies high 
places. A consistent member of 
the Presbyterian church, in pri- 
vate life, as well as in public sta- 
tion, he commands, in an eminent 
degree, the respect and esteem of 
his fellow citizens in town and 
country alike, while his genial 
temper and cheerful disposition, 
joined to a fine sense of loyalty, 
bind his friends to him with 
bonds of steel. 




MISS LELYA M. CHISHOLM. 



Among not "the coming" young 
women, born to a successful mu- 
sical career, but even now, and 
here, the well known teacher, in 



52 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



spite of youth, is found in Miss 
Lelya M. Chisholm, residing with 
her mother on 35th avenue. 

With a decided talent for music 
and drawing-, she chose to develop 
the former with a view to becom- 
ing- a teacher of the piano forte, 
a resolve that her great and per- 
sistent application enabled her 
easily to accomplish, as the teach- 
er's certificate that she holds, 
taken in a teachers" training class. 
Udder Prof. Conrad, that eminent 
artist, abundantly proves. 

But certificates of proficiency 
do not always prove the undoubt- 
ed key to success, since to know 
is one thing and how to impart 
knowledge is another and prime 
requisite of a teacher; a requisite 
that Miss Chisholm's four years 
of experience, together with her 
class of 40 pupils, furnishes am- 
ple testimony. 

If Miss Chisholm is to be crit- 
icised, it is for a virtue pushed to 
an extreme, that of untiring en- 
ergy and reckless expenditure of 
self in the pursuit of her vocation, 
a pardonable fault, due to youth 
and over-conscientiousness, but, 
for the sake of herself and her art, 
to be struggled against and con- 
quered. 

A recent public musical, given 
by Miss Chisholm's large class, 
reflected great credit on the in- 
structor and added to her already 
well earned laurels. 



THE SOUTHERN BANK. 



Conspicuous among the institu- 
tions that mark the substantial 
growth and commercial develop- 
ment of Meridian, during recent 
years, stands the Southern Bank, 
strictly a home enterprise, born 
out of conditions and influences 
that were the product of the city's 
steady progress. In 1898 Mr. F. 
C. McCihee recognized here an 
opportunity for the successful es- 
tablishment of a State bank of 
modest proportions, and enlisting 
the interest and co-operation of 
other business men of the citv. 



the Southern was organized and 
began business at the corner of 
Fourth street and 23rd avenue in 
November of that year. 

The character of the men iden- 
tified with the new undertaking, 
the personel of its oiBcers and 
directorate at once commanded 
the confidence of the public and 
the success of the bank was as- 



need in the city's commercial and 
financial economy. 

Beginning with modest re- 
sources, the capital stock was soon 
increased to S50,000, and the field 
of its operations was constantly 
broadened as its patrons multi- 
plied and its deposits increased. 
Conservative in its management, 
yet liberal in its treatment of cus- 




COL. \V. Q. STE\ ENSON, 

'The Children's Friend," who is the most conspicuous exponent of ,the Educa- 
tional idea in City and County. 



sured from the first day that its 
doors were opened; a generous 
line of deposits began, at once, 
to flow towards its vaults and the 
good will of the business public 
was manifested in a liberal pat- 
ronage, speedily demonstrating 
that the new bank filled a real 



tomers, each month of life re- 
corded a greater growth until the 
Southern is today regarded as 
one of the strong, fixed and per- 
manent institutions of the city, 
useful and influential in all of its 
commercial and industrial activ- 
ities. 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



53 



A saving's department was 
added to the bank's equipment 
about two years ago, four per 
cent, interest being allowed on 
deposits of this character; and the 
public confidence in the strength 
and stability of the Southern is 
abundantly testified in the liberal 
patronage that has been accorded 
this department of its business. 
The officers and directors of the 
Soutnern Bank are all represen- 
tative citizens of Meridian, as fol- 
lows : Officers: F. C. McGhee, 
President; B. J. Carter, Vice- 
President; J. C. Rushing, Cashier. 
Directors: T. E. Rivers, Dr. M. 
J. Lowry, H. F. Broach, Jr., S. 
J. Ferguson, B. J. Carter, J. M. 
McBeath, Frank C. McGhee and 
J. C. Rushing. 



MRS. JAYNE SPINKS MALONE. 



No music teacher in Meridian 
is so thoroughly identified with 
the city as Mrs. Jayne Spinks 
Malone, who, though far from 
being what is reg-arded as old in 




MRS. JAVINE SPINKS MALONE. 

years, and certainly not in spirits, 
was a pioneer in her art, having 
here, for 30 years, successfully 
pursued her beloved profession. 

Eig-ht years of this time she 
spent in college work and five in 
Central High school, followed by 
the organization of a private class, 



which plan still commends itself 
to her judgment. 

Mrs. Malone has inherited tal- 
ent for music, this taste manifest- 
ing itself in early childhood, and 
the ability to make melody being 
noted before thought voiced itself 
in speech. 

The even more lovely traits of 
character, cheerfulness and self- 
sacrifice, if not inherited have at 
least been acquired, so lavish!}- 
has she, during her entire public 
career, served the people of Me- 
ridian. 

For 25 years she has filled the 
position of organist of the Central 
M. E. church and still serves ac- 
ceptably, having kept time to the 
later demands of the church in 
procuring a pipe organ, by study- 
ing under the world renowned or- 
ganist, Clarence Eddy. 

But, without regard to sect, Mrs. 
Malone has freely given her ser- 
vice to promote every good cause, 
when her effort in organizing and 
training choirs was essentially 
necessary to the success of a meet- 
ing or entertainment. 

Not simply as a pioneer is Mrs. 
Malone's work deserving of men- 
tion, for she has, by reading ana 
practical study under the finest 
instructors, kept step with the 
progress of her art, having, it is 
said, the best musical library in 
the city and spending- seasons of 
study in Chicago, the late Dr. 
Karl Merz, former editor of the 
Musical World, being one of her 
teachers. 

Her versatility as a teacher is 
well known, embracing the piano 
forte, guitar, violincello and man- 
dolin. 

In the truest sense of the word 
Mrs. Malone is, by birth, educa- 
tion and calling, a gentle woman, 
and her life has ever told, through 
her art and character, for the ele- 
vation of mankind. 



THE PEOPLE'S SAVINGS BANK. 



positive need for such an institu- 
tion in the city's economy. There 
were hundreds of wage-earners 
here who really needed such an 
institution for the safe and profit- 
able investment of their surplus 
earnings, and there were many 
others, especially young men and 
women, who found in such a bank 
an inducement and encourage- 
ment to form habits of systematic 
saving of a part of their incomes; 
a spirit of thriftiness was thereby 
inculcated no less for their indi- 
vidual good than for the good of 
the community. 

From the very beg-inning, the 
character and financial strength 
of the men at the head of the 
undertaking assured its success. 
The public had perfect confi- 
dence that money entrusted to 
such keeping was absolutely safe, 
from any perils of mismanage- 
ment on the part of officer?, of the 
bank, whose names were the 
synonyms of personal integrity 
and conservative business capac- 




JOHN T. BALL. 
Founder of Meridian. 



The People's Savings Bank was 
organized by leading business 
men of Meridian in response to a 



ity; and as a result the volume of 
deposits was generous from the 
very beginning-, and constantly 
increasing until the People's Sa- 
vings Bank, today, occupies an 
enviable place in the city's finan- 
cial and business equipment. 



54 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 




HON. J. H. RIVERS, 

Mayor of Meridian. 



HON. J. H. RIVERS. 



Long- service upon the munici- 
pal boards, intimate identifica- 
tion with every interest of the 
city and active and intelligent 
participation in the civic develop- 
ment of Meridian, its government 
and its material advancement, 
through some twenty years of 
active service in official place or 
private station, seem to have 
found their logical sequence in 
1902, when J. H. Rivers was 
called to the office of Maj-or. over 
two strong and popular oppo- 
nents; and it may be said that 
his election was due directly to 
his strong, earnest and consist- 
ent advocacy of the principle of 



municipal ownership of the water 
supply and service of the city. 

Mr. Rivers is another example 
of the strength and virility of the 
country bred boy transplanted to 
town, a class that has contributed 
so largely to Meridian's substan- 
tial upbuilding. Born in Maren- 
go count}-, Alabama, he removed 
with his parents to Lauderdale 
county when but eight years old. 
Mr. Rivers' early years were spent 
upon the farm, where were laid 
the foundations of that splendid 
and virile manhood that he en- 
joys; he attended the heighbor- 
hood schools of his time, when 
not engaged in farm duties, and 
arriving at maturity, came to Me- 
ridian where he engaged in rail- 



road work, soon being entrusted 
with important and responsible 
positions in the physical main- 
tenance and construction depart- 
ments. Making his permanent 
home in this city, he early took 
an active interest in municipal 
affairs, being repeatedly elected 
and re-elected to the offices of 
both councilman and alderman, 
in both of which capacities he 
was always conspicuous for his 
loyal adherence to the interests 
of his constituents and the public 
welfare, when they seemed at va- 
riance with those of private cor- 
porations. Strong in his advo- 
cacy of any cause that he es- 
poused, determined, yet courteous, 
in maintaining his position, a 
man of convictions and the cour- 
age to contend for them. Mr. 
Rivers took and kept a conspic- 
uous place in the government of 
the city through the period of its 
greatest growth and development; 
and so, when he came to offer for 
the chief magistracy of the city, 
he had made a record with which 
his fellow citizens were familiar, 
and nobody could have any doubt 
where he stood upon any ques- 
tion relating to municipal affairs; 
he made the race for the mayor- 
alty squarely upon this record and 
was justified in the endorsement 
of his fellow citizens. 

In his administration of the 
important office that he has filled 
since January, DOS, Mr. Rivers 
has confirmed the expectations of 
his friends and loyally lived up 
to every pre-election pledge, and 
confidently points to this record 
of service to justify his candida- 
ture for re-election. 

Mayor Rivers is a man of great 
personal magnetism; big hearted 
and generous, he makes friends 
and keeps them; upright and con- 
scientious he possesses the un- 
qualified confidence of all who 
know him, and both as citizen 
and official he is esteemed and 
honored by the people amongst 
whom he has lived for a quarter 
of a century. 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



55 



JAMES E. WATTS. 



Conspicuous among the useful 
citizens of Meridian, useful in 
public and private life and influ- 
ential for good in every civic and 
social relation, stands James E. 
Watts, member of the Board of 
Aldermen from the first ward. 

Mr. Watts was born in this city 
in 1866, and, with one or two ex- 
ceptions, is the oldest native res- 
ident of Meridian. He received 
his early education here, and here 




JAMES E. WATTS, 
Member Board of Aldermen, Ward One. 

began his business career; he has 
grown with the city of his biith 
and strengthened with her 
strength, becoming so identified 
with her business, social and civic 
life as to be a type of that citizen- 
ry that is confidently relied upon 
to build, always, for a greater and 
better Meridian. 

While Mr. Watts' insurance 
business, embracing fire, life and 
accident insurance, is large he 
has yet found time for those so- 
cial duties and obligations that 
broaden life and deepen human 
sympathies. Prominent in fra- 
ternal work, being a member of 
the Odd Fellows, Knights of 
Pythias, Maccabees, Woodmen of 
the World, and other fraternal 



organizations, he has been par- 
ticularly conspicuous as a Wood- 
man, being today Head Consul of 
that organization in Mississippi, 
a place of honor and responsibil- 
ity that only men of exceptional 
worth are called to fill. 

Active in church work, he has 
been, for a number of years, a 
steward and superintendent of 
the Sunday School in the East 
End Methodist church. S rved 
for a long period as member of 
the Board of Trustees of the East 
Mississippi Female College, and 
is toda}' a member of the Boards 
of Trustees of both the Meridian 
Male and Meridian Female col- 
leges. 

Elected four years ago to the 
Board of Aldermen, Mr. Watts 
became at once a strong and in- 
fluential factor in municipal gov- 
ernment; he brought to the pub- 
lic service tl\e same intelligence, 
conscientiousness and deligence 
that gave him eminence in other 
relationships, and every move- 
ment in behalf of the comrron 
welfare and betterment of public 
utilities has enlisted his zealous 
and etfective support. He set a 
high standard of public service 
and has religiously lived up to it. 
As member of the Street, Police 
andDPurchasing crmmittees, his 
work has redounded greatly to 
the advantage of the city; but as 
a member oi the Water Commit- 
tee, appointed to procure a better 
supply and service in this all im- 
portant department of public 
works, Mr. Watts has performed 
a public service that will entitle 
him to the appreciative recogni- 
tion of the people of Meridian 
for many years to come. He 
stood firmly and uncompromising- 
ly for municipal ownership of the 
■water supply and service of the 
city, and it was due to his initia- 
tive and persistent endeavor in 
this behalf, that this department 



of our public service is so greatly 
improved today. 

J. E. Watts is not only a good 
and useful citizen, a high minded 
christian gentleman, but he is an 
active and influential agency for 
good in the conduct of municipal 
affairs. 



W. E. JONES. 



Mr. W. E. Jones, Alderman 
from the Fourth city ward, is an 
exponent of a class of young bus- 
iness men who contribute very 
largely to the strength and integ- 
rity of Meridian's civic commer- 
cial and social structure; men 
whose character and intelligence 
and public spirit are relied upon 
to continue the good work begun 
by their fathers, constantly im- 
proving and strengthening the 
fabric. 

Mr. Jones was born in Stark- 
ville. Miss., in 1867, the son of 
Rev. Ransom J. Jones, one of the 
strongest and most useful minis- 




W. E. JONES, 
Member Board of Aldermen, Ward Four. 

ters of the Methodist church of 
Mississippi, and for a number of 
years presiding elder of this dis- 
trict. He removed to Meridian 
with his parents in December, 
1785, and was educated in the 



56 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



public schools of this cit}-. He 
began his business career in 1886 
in the employ of W. G. Casteel; 
a year later formed a connection 
with the large and important 
firm of Marks, Rothenberg & Co., 
where his application, diligence 
and strict integrity soon won 
recognition, and he was rapidly 
promoted from one post of trust 
and responsibility to another, 
until today he fills the highly 
responsible place of credit man 
for the largest commercial house 
in the State. 

In 1808 Gov. McLaurin ap- 
pointed Mr. Jones member of 
the Board of Trustees of the East 
Mississippi Hospital for the In- 
sane; he was reappointed by Gov. 



Longino in l'»00 to the same 
place which he filled creditably 
until the expiration of his term 
at the beginning of the present 
year. 

He was elected a member of 
the Board of Aldermen in Decem- 
ber, 1002, and assumed the duties 
of the office in January following. 
He has brought to the service of 
the municipal government the 
same qualities that distinguished 
his character and conduct in other 
•fields of labor and which mark 
him a zealous, faithful and ac- 
complished public servant, de- 
serving and enjoying the respect 
of his colleagues as well as the 
unqualified confidence of his con- 
stituents and fellow citizens. 





DR. E. E. SPINKS. 
Member Board of Aldermen. Ward Two. 

DR. E. E. SPINKS. 



A. A. KINCANNON, M. A., 

President of the State Industrial Institute and College for Girls at Columbus, 

Miss., who Inaugurated and Placed on a Permanent Foundation 

Meridian's Famous Public School System. 



Meridian is indebted to Kemper 
county for generous contributions 
of her best stock in the making 
of a city here; but amongst the 
great number of good and useful 
citizens that she has lent to this 
cause, none is more highly valued 
than the upright gentleman. Con- 
federate veteran and patriotic 
Mississippian, Dr. E. E. Spinks, 
whose long residence here has 
been one of almost continuous 
useful and unselfish public service. 

Dr. Spinks was born in Kemper 
county, receiving his early educa- 
tion at the country schools of his 
neighborhood. At the outbreak 
of the war between the States, 
although but a boy, in years, he 
enlisted as a private, and was 
early promoted to a Lieutenant 
of Company A, 35th Mississippi 
cavalry. Returning home, after 
the surrender, he bravely took 
his place in the ranks of those 
engaged in the rehabilitation of 
their desolated homes, and loyally 
did bis part in that ordeal of re- 
construction which was a severer 
test of the manly virtues than, 
even, war exacted. 

In 1871, Dr. Spinks came to 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



57 



Meridian and eng-ag-ed in the 
practice of his profession of den- 
tistry. He speedily took a fore- 
most place among the g'ood citi- 
zens of the, then, embryonic town, 
which prominence he has held 
through the years of Meridian's 
growth, constantly strengthening 
his hold upon the respect, esttem 
ard confidence of his people. 

Dr. Spinks served the educa- 
tional interests of the city wisely 
and well for twelve years, as 
member of the board of School 
Trustees; was a member of the 
city council for eight years and 
crowned these terms of honorable 
public service with two years of 
usefulness in the chief magis- 
tracy of the city, from 1901 to 
1903. He is at present a mi'St 
valued member of the Board of 
Aldermen, where he is likely to 
remain as long as he will consent 
to serve. 



A. W. MASHBURN. 

There is scarcely a community 
in the South that is not strength- 
ened by some contribution to its 
good citizenry from the Empire 
State. Meridian acknowledges, 
with satisfaction, her indebted- 
ness in this respect; and not the 
least useful of the Georgians who 




A. W. MASHBURN, 
Member Board of Aldermen, Ward Three. 

have made their hotres here, is 
Mr. A. W. Miishburn, alderman 
from ihe third ward. 

Mr. Mashburn was born in 
Forsythe county, Georgia; his 
early years were spent upon the 
farm, where he enjoyed such edu- 
cational advantages as the ruial 



schools afforded. The war be- 
tween the States found him a 
mere boy, in years and strength, 
but he shouldered his gun, along 
with his elders, in behalf of a 
cause that was- sacred to South- 
erners, and did his duty, at the 
front, until the close of hostili- 
ties. The years succeeding the 
war were active and busy ones; 
and in 1890, Mr. Mashburn re- 
moved to Meridian, with his fam- 
ily, and became the manager of 
the Meridian Fertilizer Company, 
one of Meridian's most extensive 
industrial enterprises. His hig-h 
character, intelligence and splen- 
did business capacity, four years 
ago, induced his neighbors and 
friends to choose him as their rep- 
resentative upon the Board of 
Aldermen, where he has abun- 
dantly vindicated that choice in a 
record full of usefulness to the 
city and honor to himself. 

Mr. Mashburn has brought to 
the city's service those qualities 
that have made for success in his 
business career; and no member 
of either board exercises a larger 
influence than does he in the de- 
termination of any matter rela- 
ting to the city's welfare; because 
all have perfect confidence in his 
patriotic purpose, his unselfish- 
ness and sound judgment. 

As chairman of the special 
Water Committee, Mr. Mash- 
burn's labors in behalf of the 
people of Meridian, in this all im- 
portant contention, will always be 
remembered with grateful appre- 
ciation; for this has been the peo- 
ple's battle against a monopoly 
strongly entrenched and corres- 
pondingly defiant. 

The people of his ward have 
insisted that Mr. Mashburn shall 
serve them for another term and 
have announced his candidacy for 
re-election at the approaching- 
primaries. It may, here, be added 
that Mr. Mashburn has been fre- 
quently urged to permit the use 
of his name for the Mayoralty; 
but has steadfastly declined this 
honor, on account of his private 
business engagements. 



W. B. HAWKINS. 



Mr. W. B. Hawkins is another 
example of the business man who 
brings to the service of the mu- 
nicipality the advantage of sound 
judgment, large experience and 
strength of character in guiding 
and administering the atTairs of 
the city; and it is due to the pres- 



ence of such men upon her mu- 
nicipal boards that Meridian's 
growth and development have 
been largely speeded. 

Mr. Hawkins came to Missis- 
sippi in 1850 from Fayetteville, 
N. C, the place of his birth. He 
engaged in planting in Panola 




W. B. HAWKINS, 
Member Board of Aldermen, Ward Five. 

county and pursued successfully 
this vocation, until he was in- 
duced, by his sons, who had re- 
moved to Meridian, to come hith- 
er, in 1891, and make his home 
in the best town in the State. 

Of a strong- personality, cour- 
teous demeanor and genial tem- 
perament, he was not long in 
making friends, in his new home, 
and at once became identified 
with the activities, business and 
social, of the home of his adop- 
tion. Engaging in business on 
the South Side, he was soon 
recognized as one of the strong 
men of that part of the city, and his 
neighbors naturally selected him 
to represent them on the Board of 
Aldermen, where, for four years, 
he has faithfully discharged every 
commission given him, in the in- 
terest of his constituency, as well 
as the general welfare of the city; 
which faithful and useful service 
will doubtless be recognized in a 
re-election this year. 

As a member of the Finance, 
Market, Sewer and other impor- 
tant committees, Mr. Hawkins' 
sound business sense has been of 
great value in the direction of the 
business affairs of the municipal- 
ity, and he justly enjoys the re- 
spect and confidence of his co- 
workers on the city Boards. 



58 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 




HON. E. H. DIAL, 

Mayor of JVleridian from 18Q3 to 1901, who builded with heart, brain and 

conscience for his City's permanent betterment, along high 

lines of civic, social and material development. 



by attendance at the Sutnmer- 
ville Institute where, under the 
inspiring- tuition of the famous 
Thos. S. Gathright, his educa- 
tion was completed. After leav- 
ing school, he read law and began 
practice at Okolona, where he 
met with such success that he 
was induced to seek a wider field; 
and coming- to Meridian in 1S88, 
formed a copartnership with Mr. 
C. C. Miller. 

Since his residence in Meridian, 
Mr. Baskin has been active and 
conspicuous in useful labors. As 
President of the Board of School 
Trustee5, of which he has been a 
member, with a brief intermis- 
i-ion since 188'», he has been the 
zealous friend and guardian of 
the citj"s educational interests; 
as Trustee of the State Univer- 
sit}', he faithfully discharged this 
honorable and responsible trust; 
as chairman of the County Dem- 
ocratic Executive Committee, he 
has labored for unity and har- 
mony in party councils; as an 
Elder of the Presbyterian church, 
he has been useful and influential 
for good; but Mr. Raskin's best 
work for this community has 
been the long, arduous and un- 
compromising battle that, as City 
Attorney, he has fought and won 
for his people against the water 
works monopoly. To this he gave 
the best that is in him of heart, 
brain and conscience, and with- 
out respect to the righteousness 
of his cause, his labors deserved 
the success that has thus far at- 
tended them in this litigation. 




HON. W. E. BASKIN. 



MO>. W. E. BASKIN. 
Attorney, City o( Meridian. 



Dignity of character is, per- 
haps, the highest attribute of a 
man, and this characteristic emi- 
nently belongs to Mr. W. E. Bas- 
kin, who, in every public and pri- 
vate relation, evinces those quali- 
ties of manliness that are asso- 
ciated with men of the higher 
types. 

Mr. Baskin was born in Green 
county, Alabama, and removed, 
with his father's family, to Chick- 
asaw county, this State, shortly 
prior to the war between the 
Slates. His father's life paid the 
debt of patriotism on the battle 
field, and the boy grew to man- 
hood without the paternal guid- 
ance and counsel. His early edu- 
cation was received at the coun- 
try schools, later, supplemented 




A. W. MALONE. 
A Pioneer Citizen of isso. 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



59 



Q. M. HEISS. 



Cotning- to Meridian in 1867, 
Mr. G. M. Heiss' mature life and 
career may be said to be coinci- 
dent with the life of Meridian, 
which makes singi'ularly fitting- 
and appropriate his place of Pres- 



and his service in that capacity 
has been as full of honor to him- 
self as advantage to his city. 




a. M. HEISS, 
Councilman, Ward One. 

ident of the Board of Councilmen 
in the municipal g-overnment; for 
no man knows the city better than 
he; none cherishes its institu- 
tions more closely and none ba-- 
been more loyal and unselfish in 
contributing- to its growth ami 
development along right lines. 

Mr. Heiss' early boyhood was 
spent with his parents in New 
Orleans, La., where he received 
his early education. A mert- 
stripling, in 1862, he donned 
the Confederate uniform and 
served the cause of the South 
with the army of Tennessee until 
he was paroled at Meridian in 
1865. He came to reside in this 
city in 1867, taking a position as 
operator in the Western Union 
telegraph service, which he filled 
until 1882, when he resigned to 
engage in other business. In 
1885 he established the book and 
stationery business, which is still 
conducted under the firm name of 
G. M. Heiss & Sons, one of the 
leading concerns of its kind in 
the State. 

In the meantime, Mr. Heiss 
was chosen in 1S7<) to the office of 
city clerk, filling that responsible 
office through repeated re-elec- 
tions for ten years to 1886. Mr. 
Heiss was chosen a member of 
the Board of Councilmen in 1899, 



R. H. SUTTLE. 



It is a striking characteristic of 
Meridian's growth and develop- 
ment that the strength of its cit- 
izenry has been constantly re- 
cruited and reinforced from the 
farm; and many of the leaders in 
commercial, industrial and pro- 
fessional pursuits have come from 
that nursery of strength and vi- 
rility to occupy conspicuous places 
in the forefront of city building. 

Notable among these useful 
citizens is Mr. R. H. Suttle, who 
is now serving his second term as 
a member of the city council. 

Born upon his father's farm, in 
Winston county, in 185'*, young 
Robert Suttle's early years were 
spent, as are those of thousands 
of other boys similarly situated, 




R. H. SUTTl.E. 
Councilman, Ward Two. 

in the varied, if arduous, work of 
the farmer; interrupted only for 
brief periods of each year to at- 
tend the irregular and uncertain 
neighborhood school. In 1880 he 
came to Meridian and found em- 
ployment, first with Mike Kahn, 
but shortly afterwards entered 
the employ of Broach Bros. 

By diligence and application to 
business, joined with a genial 
disposition, he rapidly rose in the 
esteem and confidence of the com- 
munity, and when he embarked 
in business on his own account, 
he enjoyed the advantage of that 
inexhaustible capital — a good 



reputatation, backed by a sound 
character; and upon this has 
built the leading retail grocery 
business of Meridian. 

Mr. Suttle was married in 18'»0 
to Miss Nora O'Rouke, and is the 
happy father of four children. 
He was elected to the city coun- 
cil in 1901 and re-elected in 1903. 
Since his incumbency of this 
office he has brought to the ser- 
vice of the city a broad intelli- 
gence, practical business knowl- 
edge and a genuine zeal for the 
public welfare which has been 
most conspicuously manifested 
where the educational interests 
of the city are concerned, and no 
cause could be more worthy of the 
zealous endeavor and loyal sup- 
port of the municipal legislature. 



M. W. WAQNER. 



Economists everywhere recog- 
nize that, in municipal govern- 
ment, noquality is more important 
and valuable than a thorough busi- 
ness training and capacity in the 
equipment of the membership of 
city boards; and it is this splen- 
did qualification that makes Mr. 
M. W. Wagner a valued and use- 
ful member of the Board of Coun- 
cilmen of Meridian. 

Mr. Wagner was born in 1859 
in Upson county, Georgia, but 
was reared and educated in Pike 
county. He first came to the city 
in 1877, remained three years, re- 
turned to (rcorgia in 1S80 and 
came to take up his permanent 
residence here in 1889, when he 
became associated in business 
with his uncle, Capt. A. B. Wag- 



\ 




M. W. WAGNER, 
Councilman, Ward Three. 



60 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



ner, one of the oldest and most 
honored citizens ol the city. 

Mr. Wagner's business capacity 
and strict intetrrity soon won the 
confidence and esteem of the peo- 
ple of his adopted home, and in 
1901 he was elected a member of 
the Board of Councilmen and re- 
elected ag'ain in l')03, beg'inning' 
his second term in January of the 
present year. During' his incum- 
bency of this office, Mr. Wagner 
has evcined the same care, intel- 
ligence and business sagacity in 
the service of the municipality, 
that have characterized the con- 
duct of his private affairs, and 
marked him one of the successful 
business men of the community. 
He has always been an active and 
zealous member of the municipal 
legislature, giving his time and 
best thought to the public service 
without stint, solicitous for the 
public welfare and the strong 
friend and advocate of every pub- 
lic improvement consistent with 
the city's financial ability. 

As a member of the special 
Water Committee, Mr. Wagner 
has been the zealous champion of 
a betterment of this all important 
public service, which has so large- 
ly engaged the attention of the 
people and the city boards during 
the past three years. 

S. D. PARKER. 



In Mr. Stephen D. Parker the 
people of South Side have an 
able, zealous and conscientious 




S. U. PARKER, 
Councilman, Ward Pour. 

representative of the Board of 
Councilmen and the city the ad- 
vantage of an upright and intel- 
ligent law-maker. 



Mr. Parker was born in Lau- 
derdale county, near Lockhart, 
in 1858. His early years were 
spent upon the farm and his edu- 
cation was derived from the coun- 
try schools of his neighborhood. 
When 17 years of age he began 
his career as a railroad man and 
continued in that service for 27 
years. 

Sixteen years ago he took up 
his residence in Meridian and be- 
came immediately identified with 
the interests of his new home, 
lending his aid and encourage- 
ment to every onward movement 
in the social and material econ- 
omy of the city. 

Upon retiring from the railroad 
service, Mr. Parker engaged in 
the mercantile business, and later 
in that of brick manufacturing, 
both of which he successfully 
conducts today. His high char- 
acter as a citizen, his intelligence 
and fidelity to trust won an emi- 
nent recognition, several years 
ago, in his selection as a member 
of the board of Police Commis- 
sioners, one of the most distin- 
guished honors within the city's 
gift. 

In 1903, Mr. Parker was chosen 
a member of the Board of Coun- 
cilmen, and, although a new 
member, his good sense and loy- 
alty to duty lend weight to his 
views upon every question rela- 
ting to the public welfare that 
engages the attention of the mu- 
nicipal boards. Genuinely solic- 
itous for Meridian's progress and 
prosperity, in his private life, as 
well as his public service, he has 
won and keeps the unqualified 
respect and confidence of this 
community. 



Meridian, and soon launched into 
the business ot builder and con- 
tractor, which he pursued for 
many years, his conscientious 



I. F. ETHRIDQE. 



Among the staunch and sub- 
stantial citizens of Meridian who, 
by their own efforts, have won an 
honorable place in the respect and 
esteem of their fellow citizens, 
none is more widely known or 
trusted than Mr. Frank Ethridge. 

Born in Kemper county, when 
a child, his father removed to 
Lauderdale county, where he 
spent his early years, until the 
outbreak of war, when, although 
but a boy, in 1862, he enlisted in 
Co. K, 13th Mississippi regiment, 
and gave his youthful strength 
and enthusiasm to the cause of 
the South. 

In 1867 Mr. Ethridge came to 




1. F ETHRIUUU, 
Councilman, Ward Five. 

meeting of contracts, his fidelity 
and uprightness yielding him an 
enviable reputation in his line 
and commanding a constantly in- 
creasing line of work. 

He was, a few years ago, elect- 
ed Street Commissioner by the 
municipal boards, and his dis- 
charge of the duties of this office 
was notable for its thoroughness 
and the good results obtained; 
but the demands of his increasing 
business compelled him to resign 
this place and give his whole 
time to his private affairs. 

Chosen Councilman from his 
ward, he has proved a valuable 
member of the municipal govern- 
ment; broad-minded and pro- 
gressive, he is, at the same time, 
a thorough business man, and de- 
termined that adequate value shall 
be returned for every dollar of 
public money expended; his views 
on every matter, therefore, carry 
weight with his fellow members, 
and the city, generall}', reaps the 
advantage of his good judgment 
and zealous service. 



R. A. FEWELL. 



Among the citizens of Meridian 
who occupy a high place in the 
confidence, good will and high 
regard of their fellow citizens, 
Mr. R. A. Fewell, City Tax As- 
sessor, is conspicuous. Born in 
Fairfax county, Virginia, Mr. 
Fewell's earlier years were spent 



MERIDIA.N ILLUSTRATED. 



61 



upon the farm. Coming to Me- 
ridian in Aug-ust, 1870, he se- 
cured a position with H. C. Fal- 
lon & Co., dealers in hardware, 
but he soon abandoced this em- 
ployment for a more congenial 
one with the Alabama and Chat- 
tanooga railroad, now the A. G. 
S.. remaining with that road 
until 1882. when he went to the 
N. O. & N. E., the construction 
of which had then just begun, in 
the responsible office of assistant 
paymaster, traveling from Me- 
ridian to New Orleans, in a bug- 
gy, once every month in the dis- 
charge of his duties. This road 
being completed. Mr. Fewell was 
transferred to the V. S. & P. R. 
R., then being built from Monroe 
to Shreveport, La., where he was 
made paymaster of the construc- 
tion forces, making his trips, 
monthly, along the line on horse- 
back until the work was com- 
pleted in 1884, when he retired 
from the employment, was mar- 
ried, and purchasing an interest 
in the only ice plant then here, 
came to reside in Meridian. 

In 1890 Mr. Fewell suffered a 
great misfortune in the loss of his 
wife, and soon after, went to 
Lynn, Mass., where he entered 
the works of the Thomson Hous- 
ton Electric Co.; remaining there 
three months, he returned to Me- 
ridian to assume the management 




R. A. FEWELL, 
Tax Collector City of Meridian. 

of the electric light plant in this 
city, which he successfully con- 
ducted until it was leased, in 
1896, to the Street Railway Com- 
pany. Soon thereafter Mr. Few- 
ell was elected City Tax Assessor, 



and so efficiently has he dis- 
charged the duties of this diffi- 
cult and responsible office that he 
has been repeatedly re-elected to 
it by the municipal boards, who 
have valued his intelligent and 
faithful service in the discharge 
of a difficult public duty. 



W. S. HARRIS. 



Mr. W. S. Harris moved into 
the house that he now occupies, 
in Meridian, in 1868, and each 
year of that long residence has 
strengthened the ties which bind 




W. S. HARRIS, 
Treasurer City of Meridian. 

him to this city and her people. 
He has grown with Meridian's 
growth until he could scarcely 
claim an identity separate from 
hers, and no man in the town is 
better loved. 

Born in Brandon, Rankin coun- 
ty, Mr. Harris' early life was that 
of the country boy, until the 
alarums of war filled the laud, 
when he joined the Vicksburg 
\'olunteers and went to the scene 
of the fiercest conflict in Virginia. 
Wounded at Gaines' mill, he came 
home on a furlough; after en- 
countering numberlessdifficulties, 
he succeeded in returning to his 
command in Virginia; his serious 
wound incapaciting him for ac- 
tive field service, he was trans- 
ferred to the quartermasters de- 
partment, and through the in- 
fluence of his uncle, Hon. Wiley 
P. Harris, a member of the Con- 
federate Congress, was assigned 
to duty in Mississippi, where he 
served in the most responsible 



positions until paroled at Me- 
ridian, May 13, 1865. In 18f.7 
Mr. Harris accepted the position 
of paymaster with the Vicksburg 
and Meridian railroad, and in 
1868 began service with the same 
company as passenger conductor, 
which post he filled until 1880, 
when he resigned to enter into 
business in this city with his 
brother, the late R. E. Harris. 

Six years ago Mr. Harris was 
elected City Treasurer, which 
office he now holds, but to which, 
under the provisions of the law, 
is inelligible, as his own successor. 
He is, therefore, announced as a 
candidate for Mayor, and counts 
a host of warm friends who will 
do their utmost to gratify his 
honorable ambition in this regard. 

Upright, brave and generous, 
W. S. Harris is a high type of 
citizen whom those who know 
him unreservedly love and trust. 



CHIEF W. M. BLUDWORTH. 



There is no municipal office, 
the incumbent of which rests 
under a fiercer light than that 
which beats upon the City Mar- 
shal or Chief of Police, and when 
that light reveals a spotless rec- 
ord and efficient discharge of 
every duty, the incumbent is en- 
titled to the unreserved commen- 
dation of the people whom he has 




W. M. BLUDWORTH, 
Chief of Police City of Meridian. 

so well and faithfully served; and 
this may be said of Meridian's 
present Chief, W. M. Bludworth. 
Born in Barbour county, Ala., 
Mr. Bludworth removed to Lau- 
derdale with his parents when 



62 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



but a child, in 1867; his early 
years were spent upon a farm, 
and he received such education 
as the country schools afforded. 
In 1886 he came to Meridian, and 
went upon the police force, where 
he served with credit for eight 
years, when he resijjned his posi- 
tion to enter the railroad service 
where he was early promoted to 
the place of conductor, which he 
filled for nearly live years. Re- 
turninfj to the police force, after 
a brief service, he was, in I'HtO, 
elected to the office of City Mar- 
shal, and re-elected in 19U2. 

Mr. Bludworth is a candidate 
for re-election at the approaching- 
primary, basing- his claim to the 
consideration of his fellow citi- 
zens upon the record that he has 
made, in the discharg-e of a dii5- 
cult public duty. That record 
speaks for itself; not only is the 
law enforced, life and property 
safeguarded and the public peace 
secured, but the best of discip- 
line prevails throughout the po- 
lice service, due to the chief's ad- 
ministrative ability. 

Apart irom being an ideal pub- 
lic officer, Mr. Bludworth enjoys 
the respect and esteem of all who 
know him, in private relations, as 
a good neighbor and citizen. 



CAPT. B. V. WHITE. 



Among- the men of Meridian 
who, bv right living- and right 
thinking, joined with native 
strength of character, have won 
a foremost place in the regard 
and confidence of their fellows, 
conspicuous stands Capt. B. V. 
White, the popular Chancery 
Clerk of Lauderdale county. 

Capt. "White was born near Day- 
ton, Alabama; attended the coun- 
try schools of that period, and at 
the age of 16, shouldered his gun 
to follow the stars and bars 
through all the vicissitudes of 
war, encountered by the army of 
Tennessee, until the end of hos- 
tilities in 1865. 

In the year that marked the 
close of the war, Capt. White 
came to Meridian, and was first 
engaged in the hotel business. 
He subsequently filled varicius re- 
sponsible positions as book keeper 
and accountant. In 1880, he was 
elected City Treasurer and re- 
peatedly re-elected until 188"). In 
the meantime he was deputy 
chancery clerk from 1884 to 1886, 
when he engaged in the insur- 




CAPT. B. V. WHITE, 
Chancery Clerk Lauderdale County. 



ance business. In 18'»1 Capt. 
White was elected Chan.ery Clerk 
and has been three times re-elec- 
ted to the same responsible office, 
since that time. 

Faithful to every public and 
private duty, possessed of an at- 
tractive personality and courteous 
demeanor, Capt. W'liite has 
achieved honors in every relation 
where such were in the besiow- 
mcnt ot his fellows. He was 
chosen a few years ago. Major 
General of the Mississippi Divis- 
ion I'. C. v.. and always takes a 
leading part in these patrioiic 
councils. As a Mason, he is a 
member of the Blue Lodge Chap- 
ter, Council Commandery, Scot- 
tish Rites and Shrine; was elected 
(irand Master of Masons of Mis- 
sissippi in l'»00, and is today Reg- 
istrar of the Mississippi Consistory 
Scottish Rites. A Knight of 
Pythias, he has been in like man- 



ner horored; beingf chosen Grand 
Chancellor in 1882 and Supreme 
Representative in 1884 and 1886. 
In every private relat on, Capt. 
While fulfils the ideal of jfood 
citizenship; and the estet-m in 
which he is held is abundantly 
testified in his repeated re elec 
tion to an office of ihe highest 
trust and rt spon. ibilitv within 
the gift of his fellow citizens. 



PROF. J. R. ELLIS. 



There is no cause in Mississip- 
pi, today, more worthy of the en- 
listment of the best talents and 
loj'al service of her sons than that 
of primary education; because, 
first and last, the school house is 
the corner stone of Republican 
government. Lauderdale county 
is fortunate in this iespect;she 
has always enjoyed the advantage 
of capable and zealous service ia 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 



63 



the administration of her public 
schools; but never have the edu- 
cational interests of the rounty 
been in more faithful and com- 
petent keeping than i^u-inff the 
administration of Mr. J R. Ellis. 




PROF. J. K. ELLIS. 
County Superintendent Public Education. 

Mr. Ellis was born upon a 
farm in the southeastern part of 
Lauderdale countv, and received 
his early education at the coun- 
try schools; he entered the A. & 
M. Colleg-e in 1888, remaining 
there two sessions. In 1890, he 
began his career as teacher, which 
he continued until 18y.^, when he 
went to the University of Nash- 
ville and Peabody Normal, from 
which institutions he was grad- 
uated in 18'>8. Returning to Lau- 
derdale, he resumed teaching 
until the following year, when he 
was elected County Superintend- 
ent of public schools, and was re- 
elected without opposition. in 190.^. 

Mr. Ellis has brought to the 
service of a great cause, fine nat- 
ural talents, cultivated and nour- 
ished in the best schools, a gen- 
uine enthusiasm for his work and 
a strength of character that makes 
effective nis endeavors Under 
his administration, and, largely 
through his personal effort, the 
public school term has been ex- 
tended from four to six months, 
and the general ePiciency of the 
schools has been improved. 



I. R. Mcelroy. 

Few men, anywhere, count 
stauncher friends or a greater 
number among their acquaint- 
ances than does Mr. I. R. McEl- 
roy, City Clerk of Meridian; be- 
cause few men more eminently 



deserve them than he. Generous, 
warm hearted, upright and loyal, 
he attract? the good will and con- 
fidence of his fellows and, then, 
strives to keep these by deserving 
them. 

Born in this county, near Ala- 
mutcha, in 1864, Mr. McElroy 
was reared upon the farm and 
attended the country schools. At 
the age of twenty years, he came 
to Meridian to accept the position 
of deputy in the office of the cir- 
cuit clerk, which place he filled 
until he entered the railway mail 
service. In 1887 he was elected 
City Clerk, and re-elected to the 
same office in 1889 and again, in 
1891. In 1893 he was appointed, 
by President Cleveland, postmas- 
ter of Meridian, where he re- 
mained for four years. Retiring 
from the post-office, in 1S97, he 
followed his vocation as book- 
keeper and accountant until 
chosen Cit}^ Tax Assessor in 1900. 
In 1902, he was again elected to 
the office of City Clerk, which 
position he now fills so satisfac- 
torily that he is without opposi- 
tion in his candidature for re- 
election. 

Mr. McElroy has always been 
a zealous, loyal and active Dem- 
ocrat, and in recognition of this 
service, he was chosen a member 
of the State Executive Commit- 
tee at the last State convention. 

Faithful in the discharge of his 
public duties, warm hearted and 
unselfish in his relations with his 
fellow men, a good citizen and 
upright gentleman, Mr. McElroy 
justly enjoys the unqualified es- 
teem and confidence of the people 
of Merj.iian. 



B. McDADE. 

The career of Mr. B. McDade, 
the efficient tax collector of the 
city of Mtridian, is a striking il- 
lustration of the possibilities of 





R. Mcelroy, city Clerk. 



B. McDADE, 
City Tax Collector. 

achievement that are here afford- 
ed to young men, where a deter- 
mination to succeed is supple- 
mented by a kindly disposition, 
uprightness and persevering in- 
dustry. 

Mr. McDade was born at Mt. 
Meigs, Monteomery county, Ala., 
in 1865. When he was a child, 
his parents removed to Kemper 
county, Mississippi, where his 
early years were spent upon the 
farm, and he enjoyed such edu- 
cational opportunities as the coun- 
tr}' schools at that time afforded. 
Arrived at the age of 18 years he 
learnnd telegraphy, and in that 
capacity entered the railway ser- 
vice; in 1889 he was advancea to 
the clerical department in the 
offices in Meridian. In 18'i4 he 
embarked in the furniture busi- 
ness, in which he continued until 
elected City Tax Collector in 1898, 
to which office he was re-elected 
in 1900 and now holds. 

In 1903 Mr. McDade was a can- 
didate for Chancery Clerk and re- 
ceived a vote that was highly 
flattering. 

In 1889, Mr. McDade was mar- 
ried to Miss Ada Walker, of Lau- 
derdale, who, with two children, 
graces his happy home in this 
city. A Mason, and member of 
the Odd Fellows.Knights of Pyth- 
ias, A. O. U. W., Elks, Woodmen 
of the World and Maccabees, Mr. 
McDade is prominent and influen- 
tial in fraternal work. 



64 



MERIDIAN ILLUSTRATED. 




CHIEF JNO. R. FARRELL, 
Of the Fire Department. 

No one among' the citizenship 
of Meridian is held in hig-her 
esteem or more beloved, than the 
genial, good natured chief. A 
natural born fireman, he has used 
all his skill, coupled with his 
experience, to keep always the 
Fire Department up to a high 
standard of efficiency, and Me- 
ridian's present admirable service 
is, in a great measure, due to his 
zeal, energy and unceasing labor, 



in which, at all times, he has had 
the co-operation of the city gov- 
ernment; not the least tangible 
result from which is the liberal 
insurance rates prevailing here. 
Meridian being on a first class 
basis. 

Mr. Farrell was born and reared 
in the city of Mobile, and edu- 
cated at St. \'incent's Academy, 
coming to Meridian in November, 
1S79, to accept a position with 
Messrs. Gary & Son, then large 
cotton buyers. At time of leav- 
ing Mobile, was a member of Me- 
chanics Steam Fire Company No. 
7. Still imbued with the fireman 
spirit, with others, in June, 1S,S2, 
he was greatly instrumental in 
reorganizing what then consti- 
tuted Meridian's Fire Depart- 
ment. A steamer was soon pur- 
chased, hose, etc., and from then, 
on, the Department commenced 
to grow, other companies being 
organized. As the city grew on, 
like other places, the need for a 
paid department became apparent, 
and was accomplished Jan. 1st, 
1903; though too much cannot be 
said of the valuable service of the 
original volunteer department. 

Mr. Farrell's best reward for 
his zealous usefulness is the uni- 
versal appreciation that his work 
commands. 




F. M. ZEHLER, a .Martyr to Duty 

F. M. Zehlerlost his life in the 
performance of duty, as Assistant 
Chief of the Meridian Fire De- 
partment, at the fire in the Or- 
mond building, on Twenty-second 
Avenue, in I'Mil. In recognition 
of his courage and fidelity, as 
well as his eminent virtues as a 
man and a citizen, the people of 
Meridian have erected a hand- 
some monument to his memory at 
4th street and 23rd ave. To the 
unselfish efforts of Chief Jno. R. 
Farrell is largely due tLis popu- 
lar tribute to bravery. 



WETHERBEE BROS. COMPANY. 



In the Wetherbee Bros. Com- 
pany Meridian owns the largest 
manufactory and depot of ma- 
chinery and mill supplies in the 
State, and one of the most exten- 
sive in the South. The foundry 
and machine shops manufacture 
every description of machinery 
and iron work, while in the ware- 
houses of the Company, may be 
found everything in the way of 
mill supplies, from a complete 
equipment of a large mill, down 
to the smallest parts of machinery 
that may be required. 

The territory covered by the 
trade of this extensive business 
embraces all of this and adjacent 
States, extending west into Texas 
and the Indian Territory. 

The firm of Wetherbee Bros., 
composed of Messrs. C. P. and 
W. C. Wetherbee, is valued in 
the commercial and industrial 
economy of the city; but not more 
so than are the individual mem- 
bers who compose it, in the social 
and civil relation. Both are big 
men, in heart and brain, as well 




as bod}-; are good citizens in the 
best sense; progressive, broad 
minded and public spirited; ready 
at all times to lend their moral 
and material support to every 



movement for the advancement of 
Meridian, and in their social re- 
lations command the unqualified 
confidence, respect and good will 
of the community. 



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